FSSAI Flags Nestlé Over ‘5 HMOs’ in Infant Formula

Nestlé India is facing three separate adjudication cases filed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over alleged violations in its infant nutrition products, specifically NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1, reported several media outlets including CNBCTV18. The regulator flagged promotional claims such as “5 HMOs” and “easy-to-digest whey,” and also found a follow-up formula sample non-compliant with prescribed biotin levels.

The company is facing three cases because of the way it promoted its baby food products. Claims like “5 HMOs” and “easy‑to‑digest whey” on packs of NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1 have been flagged. One of its follow‑up formulas was also found to have less biotin than required.

HMOs, or Human Milk Oligosaccharides, are special complex sugars found naturally in human breast milk. They are the third most abundant solid component after lactose and fat, and while babies cannot digest them directly, HMOs play a crucial role in building immunity, gut health, and overall development.

For Indian parents, HMOs are being marketed as a “closer-to-breast-milk” innovation in baby food. But regulators like FSSAI are cautious about how these claims are presented, since marketing cannot mislead families into thinking formula equals breast milk.

What FSSAI Found & Regulatory Action

• Products under scrutiny:
  NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 – flagged for claims about “5 HMOs” and “Whey Protein”.
  Lactogen Pro 1 – flagged for claim that its whey protein is “easy to digest”.
• Follow-up formula issue:
  A Nestlé infant formula was found sub-standard in biotin content during lab analysis, confirmed again by referral testing.
• Legal basis:
  Regulation 4(2), Foods for Infant Nutrition Regulations, 2020 – restricts promotional claims intended to boost sales.
  Section 3, IMS Act, 1992 – prohibits advertising and promotion of infant milk substitutes and related products.

Nestlé India’s Response

• Products are fully compliant with applicable regulations.
• Labels were approved by FSSAI’s expert committee.
• Company submitted a detailed response citing scientific literature to support its claims.

What This Means

Issue	Details	Regulatory Concern
Promotional Claims	“5 HMOs” & “easy-to-digest whey”	Misleading marketing, contravenes infant food rules
Biotin Deficiency	Follow-up formula below prescribed biotin levels	Nutritional compliance failure
Legal Cases	3 adjudication cases filed	Could lead to penalties, stricter oversight
Corporate Response	Claims backed by scientific literature	Dispute over interpretation of regulations

Trade-offs

• Consumer Trust:
  Promotional claims may mislead parents, undermining confidence in infant nutrition products.
• Regulatory Precedent:
  This case could set stricter enforcement standards for baby food marketing in India.
• Market Impact:
  Nestlé’s shares already dipped following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns.

Editorial Takeaway

This action highlights India’s tightening scrutiny of infant nutrition marketing, especially around health-related claims. For parents, the key takeaway is that regulators are prioritizing transparency and compliance over promotional messaging. For Nestlé, the challenge lies in balancing scientific substantiation with regulatory restrictions that prohibit promotional claims in this sensitive category.

FSSAI is making sure baby food companies don’t mislead parents with fancy claims. Nestlé now has to prove its products are safe and its labels are correct.

Beware of Fake Websites - FSSAI Asks Food Biz Operators

Food safety regulator FSSAI on Thursday appealed food business operators (FBOs) to be aware of fake websites being operated for providing registration and licensing services.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also said it will not be responsible for loss or damage suffered by the FBO on account of deficiency of services by such websites.

FBOs can apply for licence or registration only through the FSSAI portal.

"FSSAI appeals to public to exercise care and caution while applying for FSSAI licence and registration as food business operator. Only FSSAI's licensing portal should be used for registration/ license application," FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Pawan Agarwal said in a statement.

In case of need for any help, applicants may approach the regional offices of FSSAI or jurisdictional designated officer or food safety officer for guidance, details of which are available at www.fssai.gov.in, he added.

FSSAI said it has come to its notice that a number of websites are operating with the domain name comprising the word 'FSSAI' along with suffix or affix 'registration', 'license', etc. Some of such websites also use the logo of FSSAI.

The regulator has not authorised any entity to register its website with the domain name comprising the word 'FSSAI' or to use its name and logo, or represent FSSAI as such, it said.

In the event that any one intends to avail the services of any such online websites for registration or licence as food business operator, it is advisable that background check of such third party should be carried out with regard to authenticity or reliability of its services, it added.

FSSAI has also launched a Food Safety Mitra Scheme wherein Digital Mitras are being trained to assist FBOs for online filings related to licensing and registration, at nominal charges. PTI LUX

Food Safety Regulator FSSAI Launches Mobile App For Consumers

Food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a mobile app that will allow consumers to raise food safety related concerns.

The description of the mobile app says "Since most of the times the form of food consumed is either packed or serviced, the app provides food safety tips and food safety laws as prescribed by the regulator through its regulations."



FSSAI app provides food safety tips and food safety laws as prescribed by the regulator through its regulations and this will also allow consumers to raise their food safety related concerns. .

Whether it is a Packaged Food or a Food Service Establishment, now consumers are empowered to know about the food business operators and get informed about the food safety information," according to the description.

The app for Android smartphone users has built-in functionalities to locate the consumer's geographical location and consumers can raise any food incidents witnessed along with the captured pictures.

The app also empowers consumers to check many parameters on which the food safety is compromised for both packaged foods and food served in ready-to-eat establishments.

For served food, the consumer is given an option to rate the Overall Hygiene of the food service establishment.

It also has provision for consumers to enter FSSAI issued license/registration number if available will provide accurate information about the food business operator's adherence to food safety requirements.