Horlicks lovers, take note: FSSAI questions claims on two products

NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) over allegedly misleading claims and regulatory non-compliance involving two Horlicks products: Women’s Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink and Mother’s Plus Kesar.

In the case of Horlicks Women’s Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink (400 g), the regulator flagged claims including “Nutrition for Strong Bones”, “Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months” and “Improves Bone Health”, finding them misleading or non-compliant with applicable regulations.

The claim “Healthy Muscles” was also found to contravene provisions governing the use of the term “healthy” in food claims. FSSAI further questioned the “No Added Sugar” claim in view of the presence of maltodextrin in the product. It also found that the claim “100% RDA of Calcium, Vitamin D & K2” did not comply with applicable food safety requirements. The nutritional information table was also found not to have been presented in the prescribed format.

A separate notice concerns Horlicks Mother’s Plus Kesar (400 g bag-in-box pack). FSSAI flagged the claim “Healthy Birth Weight” on the product label and the phrase “For baby’s healthy birth weight” in an advertisement as potentially misleading and contrary to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

The regulator also raised objections to the product’s online listing, which included expressions relating to pregnancy and lactation, protein for birth weight, DHA for brain development and “No Added Sugar”.

FSSAI has directed HUL to submit its response within the stipulated period. The concerned licensing authorities and e-commerce platforms have also been asked to take the necessary action under applicable food safety laws.

The notices seek the company’s response to the alleged violations. They do not, by themselves, establish that a final penalty has been imposed.