Reconstituted fruit juice is made by collecting juice from fresh fruits, concentrating it to remove excess water, and then adding water back in before packaging. This process makes transportation and storage more efficient while extending the juice’s shelf life. However, reconstituted juices may lack the fresh taste and nutrient content of 100% fresh juices.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses to label reconstituted fruit juices as “juice-based drinks” instead of “100% fruit juice.” In response, Dabur, a leading manufacturer of fruit beverages under the Real brand, has criticized the FSSAI’s directive, arguing that it is legally unsound and based on a misunderstanding of existing regulations.
According to Dabur, the FSSAI’s directive contravenes the FSS (Food Products Standards And Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, and the FSS Claims Regulations, 2018. The company believes that the labeling of reconstituted juices should be guided by the definitions and requirements outlined in these regulations, which mention the use of approved additives and preservatives in fruit juices.
Dabur’s disagreement with the FSSAI’s directive is also rooted in its own experiences and data. The company claims that its reconstituted juices, such as Real Fruit Juices, meet the quality and safety standards laid down by the regulations and are already approved by the FSSAI. By labeling these products as “juice-based drinks,” Dabur believes that it is providing consumers with accurate information about the contents of their beverages, which aligns with the company’s testing and quality control standards.
Overall, the debate between Dabur and the FSSAI highlights the complexity of food labeling regulations and the potential for misinterpretation. As consumers, it is essential to be aware of the labeling details and ingredients to make informed decisions about what we eat and drink.