FSSAI bans sale of 'FOLINEURO' syrup, 'Neuherbs TRUE VITAMIN' over misleading claims
New Delhi, July 30
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on Thursday said it has taken strict enforcement action against multiple food business operators for misleading claims, non-compliant labelling, food safety violations and serious hygiene lapses to safeguard consumer interests.
In a post on social media platform X, the food regulator said the action includes prohibition orders, licence suspension and prohibition of sale against erring businesses.
Among the key actions, FSSAI issued a prohibition order against Vatave Health Care over the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of its 'FOLINEURO Syrup - Folinic Acid Syrup'.
According to the regulator, the product name 'FOLINEURO' along with a brain image on the front of the pack created a misleading impression that the product was intended to support or improve brain and neurological functions.
FSSAI also found that the product was classified as a 'Nutritional Food Supplement', a category that does not exist under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals) Regulations, 2016.
Based on the complaint, product label, licence details and available records, the regulator said the product prima facie failed to comply with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
In addition, it has prohibited the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing and sale of the product with immediate effect, warning that any violation would attract strict legal and penal action.
In a separate action, FSSAI prohibited the sale of 'Neuherbs TRUE VITAMIN', marketed by Global Healthfit Retail India Private Limited, over the use of the trade name 'TRUE VITAMIN', which it described as misleading and not recognised under existing regulations.
The regulator said the branding violated provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, and the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, as it could mislead consumers.
Additionally, FSSAI directed the company to immediately stop the sale of the product, remove the misleading claims from product labels and advertisements, and submit an Action Taken Report within 30 days, failing which further regulatory action would be initiated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the crackdown but honestly, how many such products are still out there? The problem is massive - from protein powders to herbal tablets, everything is sold without proper checks. FSSAI needs more manpower and regular checks, not just one-off actions after complaints.
TRUE VITAMIN - what a cheeky name! 🧐 It's like calling your product 'Real Medicine'. This is what happens when marketing teams have no oversight. Relieved that FSSAI is finally paying attention to nutraceuticals because it's a huge unregulated market.
As someone who used to buy such supplements for my elderly parents, this is scary. These companies exploit people's health concerns and lack of knowledge. Quick question: what should genuinely worried patients do for brain health? FSSAI should also guide consumers on what to look for.
This is long overdue! India's supplement market is like the Wild West. I remember seeing 'FOLINEURO' ads on TV claiming it's for mental alertness. FSSAI should also investigate online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart where these products are sold without any warning labels.
Interesting to see this from a Western perspective. In the US, the FDA does similar crackdowns on supplements making false claims. It's good to see Indian authorities taking this seriously. Hopefully this sends a strong message to other companies in the sector. 👍
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