The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has told the Delhi High Court that Dabur’s claim of ‘100% juice’ on its fruit juice products is a violation of the law. According to FSSAI, the claim is misleading and cent percent violates the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020. The matter is currently pending consideration before the Delhi High Court.
FSSAI’s contention is that Dabur’s fruit juice products contain added sugars, preservatives, and other ingredients, which cannot be labeled as ‘100% juice’. The authority has argued that the claim is deceiving consumers into believing that the product contains only fruit juice, without any added ingredients. FSSAI has also pointed out that the regulations prohibit the use of the term ‘100% juice’ if the product contains any added ingredients.
The FSSAI has filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court, stating that Dabur’s claim is a clear violation of the regulations. The authority has asked the court to direct Dabur to modify its labeling and advertising claims to comply with the regulations. FSSAI has also sought to restrain Dabur from making any further misleading claims.
Dabur, on the other hand, has maintained that its labeling and advertising claims are compliant with the regulations. The company has argued that its products do contain 100% fruit juice, and that the added ingredients are permissible under the regulations.
The Delhi High Court is yet to rule on the matter, which has significant implications for the food and beverage industry. The outcome of the case will have a bearing on how companies label and advertise their products, and will help to clarify the regulations surrounding food labeling and advertising. The case also highlights the need for regulatory oversight to prevent misleading claims and ensure that consumers are not deceived by false or exaggerated advertising claims.