Food Authority Warns Against Utilizing "100%" in Food Product Labels for Accurate Consumer Information
India's Food Safety Regulator Bans Misleading '100%' Claims on Food Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong advisory prohibiting the use of the term "100%" in food labeling, packaging, and promotional materials, effective immediately. This includes descriptors such as "100% natural," "100% organic," "100% pure," "100% fresh," and "100% premium quality."
The advisory aims to combat misleading and ambiguous claims that may create a false impression of absolute purity or superiority of a product without scientific substantiation. The FSSAI has observed a growing trend of food business operators (FBOs) utilizing "100%" claims, which can lead consumers to perceive products as entirely pure or superior to others on the market.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, the term "100%" is unspecified and subject to misinterpretation. As such, FBOs are warned against using the term to avoid deceiving consumers and to comply with food safety and labeling standards.
Sub-regulation 10(7) specifically bans any advertisement or claim that undermines other manufacturers or influences consumer perception in a misleading manner. Claims under these regulations must be truthful, unambiguous, meaningful, and not misleading--providing consumers with accurate information.
In response to these concerns, the FSSAI urges all FBOs to stop using "100%" on any food product labels, packaging, or marketing content. The organization maintains their commitment to promoting transparency and fairness in food labeling, ensuring consumer interests are protected and informed choices can be made.
Enrichment Data:- The FSSAI regulations cover a broad range of food categories, ensuring that all foods marketed as "100%" meet the specified guidelines to prevent potential misuse.- The ban applies to both explicit "100%" claims as well as any combination of the term with other descriptors, such as "100% natural and organic."- Manufacturers that fail to adhere to FSSAI regulations may face penalties and legal action, as the organization aims to uphold the integrity of food labeling and protect consumer interests.
In light of this advisory, food businesses are advised to revise their labeling strategies to ensure compliance, maintain consumer trust, and respect the regulatory guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has advised health-and-wellness-conscious consumers to be vigilant about food labeling, as claims such as "100% natural" or "100% organic" in food products may no longer be relied upon without scientific substantiation.
- To make informed decisions about their food choices, it is essential for consumers to understand that lifestyle, food-and-drink items marketed as "100%" are now under scrutiny by the FSSAI, which aims to promote transparency and uphold the integrity of food labeling to ensure consumer health and wellness.
