FSSAI 100% Fruit Juice Ban – FSSAI defends June 2024 directive, calling ‘100% Fruit Juice’ labels misleading.
FSSAI 100% Fruit Juice Ban: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has told the Delhi High Court that claims such as ‘100% fruit juice’ on beverage packaging are misleading and not legally valid under current regulations. The regulator submitted an affidavit in response to a petition filed by Dabur, which challenged FSSAI’s June 2024 notification asking food business operators (FBOs) to drop the ‘100%’ label from their products, especially those made using reconstituted fruit juice concentrate.
Reinforcing Existing Law, Not Introducing New Norms
FSSAI clarified that its June directive is not a new rule but a reiteration of the existing framework under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. The authority explained that food labels are only allowed to carry qualitative claims that reflect the product’s nature and composition. Numerical terms like ‘100 per cent’ do not have legal standing under the current law and are likely to mislead consumers regarding the product’s actual fruit content.
Numerical Labels Called Legally Baseless and Misleading
In its affidavit, FSSAI stated that numerical claims such as ‘100 per cent fruit juice’ exaggerate the quality and purity of products, especially when reconstituted from concentrates. The authority argued that such terms violate provisions on fair disclosure, mislead the public, and compromise consumer rights by interfering with informed decision-making. ‘These claims are ultra vires the current legal framework,’ the regulator noted.
FSSAI: No Fundamental Rights Infringed
Responding to Dabur’s contention that the directive affects its rights, FSSAI maintained that the grievance amounts only to commercial inconvenience and not a violation of any fundamental rights. The authority emphasised that economic interests are not constitutionally protected unless they relate to rights under Part III of the Constitution.
The court will continue to hear the matter as FSSAI stands by its order aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring transparency in food labelling practices.
For businesses navigating food labeling regulations, it is important to stay compliant with FSSAI guidelines. Whether you need clarity on FSSAI registration, the legal validity of your product labels, or your advertising claims, Vakilsearch’s expert team can provide guidance. For expert assistance, visit Vakilsearch today.
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