Dabur Challenges FSSAI Prohibitory Order in High Court

Recent developments in regulatory compliance have highlighted the importance of FSSAI food labelling regulations for consumer health and safety. FMCG major Dabur India recently approached the Delhi High Court to challenge a prohibition order issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Consequently, this legal battle underscores the strict enforcement against unverified product claims across food categories in India.

Understanding FSSAI Food Labelling Regulations and Product Claims

The regulatory authority issued orders barring the sale of several food items carrying absolute marketing statements. Specifically, products such as honey, cow ghee, edible oils, and coconut water were flagged for carrying labels like 100% Pure or 100% Natural. According to regulatory standards, such descriptions are ambiguous, unverifiable, and likely to mislead consumers regarding true product composition.

Legal Arguments and Procedural Compliance

In response, Dabur argued that the regulator passed the prohibition order without issuing a prior show-cause notice. Therefore, the company contended that the action violated principles of natural justice and statutory provisions. Furthermore, Dabur stated that similar claims are widely used across the packaged food industry without comparable regulatory restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did FSSAI issue a prohibition order against Dabur?

FSSAI issued the order because the company marketed food products using misleading and unverifiable claims such as 100% Pure and 100% Natural without adequate regulatory substantiation. For professionals looking to understand broader regulatory standards and healthcare compliance, exploring family medicine specialisation options can offer valuable insights into patient safety and public health guidelines.

Q2: What legal grounds did Dabur present in the Delhi High Court?

Dabur argued that FSSAI violated the principles of natural justice by omitting a prior show-cause notice and an opportunity for a formal hearing before issuing the prohibition order.

References

1. Dabur moves Delhi HC against FSSAI ban on selling food products with ‘100 pc’claims – ETHealthworld
2. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.

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