FSSAI Cracks Down: 18,000 Liquor Bottles Seized
Regulator introduces new packaging rules for pan masala, bans plastic and aluminium foil, as food and beverage firms scramble to update labels and advertising claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a crackdown on food and beverage companies, resulting in the seizure of around 18,000 boxes of Diageo India's liquor bottles over alleged lack of markings to show that they were manufactured using safe recycled plastic.
Diageo India has confirmed that some of its bottles have been quarantined by authorities until further direction. The FSSAI has also issued notices to 14 D2C food brands for misleading branding and deceptive health claims.
In addition to the seizures and notices, the FSSAI has introduced new packaging regulations for pan masala, banning plastic and aluminium foil packaging. The new regulations permit pan masala to be packaged in paper, paperboard, cellulose, tin, or glass containers.
The Mumbai FDA has also been actively inspecting hotels, restaurants, and food establishments, issuing hundreds of improvement notices and suspending 165 licences between May and July this year. The Indian Paper Manufacturers’ Association (IPMA) has urged the government to immediately impose Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) on imports of Virgin Multi-Layer Paperboard from Indonesia, a move that has been recommended by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
## What's at Stake The FSSAI's crackdown has significant implications for the food and beverage industry, with companies being forced to update their product labels and advertising claims. The regulator's actions are aimed at protecting consumer interests and ensuring that companies comply with established standards.
The crackdown is also having a ripple effect on the industry, with companies like Dabur moving court against the regulator's prohibition on the sale of several products carrying '100%' claims. Other companies, such as Red Bull and Reliance Consumer Products, have written to the regulator seeking a one-year extension to drop the word 'energy' from their energy drink labels.
## Why it Matters The FSSAI's crackdown is a significant development in the Indian food and beverage industry, highlighting the need for companies to prioritize consumer safety and transparency. As the industry continues to evolve, with increasing competition from regional and digital-first brands, companies will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
The crackdown is also changing restaurant menus and, in some cases, the colour of their cuisines. Hundreds of social media posts from diners in Mumbai have reported that products such as Chinese bhel and chicken lollipops have changed colour, as restaurants and food establishments comply with the FSSAI's regulations.
In conclusion, the FSSAI's crackdown on the food and beverage industry is a significant development that highlights the need for companies to prioritize consumer safety and transparency. As the industry continues to evolve, companies will need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
