Over 160 misleading claims were identified at various times, the oldest case dating back to 2022. Around 120 of these products are still being sold today with the same claims that were previously debunked.

Many products with misleading claims are being sold in the market.

When we buy products at the market, most of us trust what's written on the front of the package. 100% natural, no added sugar, heart-healthy, organic. These words make us think we're buying something healthy, but reading the ingredients on the back of these products often reveals a different story.

The country's food regulator, FSSAI, recently issued notices to several food brands. However, the biggest question is: despite regulations already in place and warnings issued, how are such products being sold so easily in stores and on apps?

The truth behind the claim on the front of the packet

• In June 2026, FSSAI issued notices to several companies simultaneously. The complaints were nearly identical. One mango juice labeled "no added sugar," but the ingredients were 51% mango pulp and 39% sugarcane juice, meaning the sweetness came from sugarcane juice.
• A noodles brand was claiming to be made from 100% natural and organic flour but what turned out to be plain flour was present inside.
• One tofu product had claims of anti-cancer properties, which cannot be made without medical approval.
• The words Heart Pro and pictures of hearts were printed on a cooking oil in such a way that the customer would feel that this oil would directly improve heart health.

This is a legal challenge.

The term "100 percent" is not defined in food laws, including the FSS Act and the Advertising and Claims Regulation. This means that when a company uses "100 percent," it's unclear what that 100 percent refers to (purity, fruit quality, naturalness), and you can't claim something that isn't clear.

Questions were also raised about children's favorite Kinder Joy.

Children's favourite Kinder Joy. Its packet says 'Rich in Milk Solids', meaning it is full of milk. Parents read this and think that at least some milk will go into the child's stomach, but then they turn the packet over. They find sugar and fat, and the milk portion is very little at the bottom. Here too, the rule of the list is that the item that is in the maximum quantity is written first. FSSAI has pointed out exactly this and has said that when milk is not the main ingredient, then calling it rich is misleading the customer.

A clear warning had already come a year ago

This isn't the first time this has happened. FSSAI issued an official advisory on May 28, 2025, signed by the Director of Regulatory Compliance. In this letter, the regulator clearly stated that the use of the term "100%" on food packages and advertisements has become increasingly common and is misleading. FSSAI states that whether written alone or in conjunction with other words, "100%" creates a false impression in the consumer of complete purity and superiority. Based on this, all companies were instructed to remove this term from labels, packaging, and promotions.

The market situation did not change even after the directive.

Even a year after the warning, the situation hasn't changed much. An investigation revealed that the regulator identified over 160 misleading claims at various times, the oldest of which was from 2022. However, approximately 120 of these products are still being sold with the same claims that were previously declared false. Even after objections were filed, the packaging remained the same. Even the government's own Economic Survey 2026 acknowledged that while there are numerous regulations against misleading food advertisements, enforcement is weak. However, companies also have their own version of events. They maintain that their cases have been closed after full compliance with the regulations. A cooking oil company has also stated that its claims are legally and scientifically sound, and it is providing detailed responses to the regulator.

What rights does the customer have?

Under the FSS Act 2006, no company can mislead customers for their own benefit. If the packaging labels something else, and the contents are otherwise, this is a violation and can be reported. If a violation is proven, the company faces heavy fines, and in serious cases, even license cancellation. So, make it a habit to read the ingredients list on the back of the package along with the grand claims on the front. Don't blindly believe words like "100%," "natural," "pure," and "healthy."