October 22, 2026
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised concerns over food businesses failing to comply with mandatory labelling requirements for nutraceuticals, health supplements and other specialised food products. The regulator has warned of action against businesses that do not follow the prescribed rules.
In an advisory shared on social media on Monday, FSSAI highlighted the need to comply with labelling requirements and display appropriate warning statements for plant-based and botanical ingredients, including their extracts.
The regulator said several Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in manufacturing and selling nutraceuticals, health supplements, foods for special dietary use and foods for special medical purposes were not following the stipulated labelling standards and warning requirements.
These products are governed by the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Novel Food) Regulations, 2016. The regulations cover categories such as health supplements, functional foods, products containing prebiotic and probiotic ingredients, and novel foods.
According to FSSAI, the framework specifies permissible limits for plant and botanical ingredients and their extracts, whether used individually or in combination with other ingredients.
The regulations also prescribe strict labelling standards and prohibit products from making medicinal claims or suggesting that they can cure diseases. Warning statements must be clearly visible, legible and prominently displayed to help prevent misuse, particularly among vulnerable consumers.
FSSAI has urged food businesses to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements, emphasising the importance of accurate product labelling and appropriate warnings to safeguard consumer health and safety.
Source: PTI