Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 18: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated three separate adjudication cases against Nestlé India concerning regulatory non-compliance across its infant nutrition portfolio, specifically targeting products like NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1.

Following an evaluation of products and promotional materials featured on e-commerce platforms, the apex food regulator flagged specific marketing claims:

• NAN Excella Pro Stage 1: Scrutinized over promotional assertions related to “5 HMOs” (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) and “Whey Protein”.

• Lactogen Pro 1: Flagged for claims describing its whey protein content as easy to digest.

The FSSAI concluded that these promotional methods violated Regulation 4(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020, which strictly restricts promotional practices intended to enhance the saleability of infant foods.

Additionally, the regulator cited Section 3 of the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992 (IMS Act), which prohibits the advertising and promotion of such products.

Quality and Biotin Testing Concerns

In a separate finding, laboratory testing on a sample of a Follow-up Formula manufactured by Nestlé India revealed that the product was sub-standard regarding its biotin content. The sample was subsequently re-tested by a designated Referral Laboratory, which confirmed that the product non-conformed with statutory biotin requirements mandated under the 2020 infant nutrition rules.

Consequently, the FSSAI has formally moved forward with three distinct adjudication proceedings addressing both the promotional claims and the laboratory testing discrepancies. While no final financial penalties have been immediately levied, the scrutiny adds to regulatory pressures facing the company's baby food segment.