The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings against Nestle India over alleged violations related to promotional claims and product standards for infant food products.

The regulator has filed three separate adjudication cases against Unit I and Unit II of Nestle India Limited. The cases involve NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1, FSSAI said.

According to the food safety regulator, promotional material for NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 carried claims about “5 HMOs" and “Whey Protein". Promotional material for Lactogen Pro 1 described “Whey Protein" as easily digestible.

FSSAI said such promotional claims and materials made to increase the sale of infant food products are prohibited under Regulation 4(2) of the FSS (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.

The regulator also flagged the biotin content of a sample of Nestle India’s Follow-up Formula. FSSAI said the sample did not meet the prescribed standards for biotin.

The sample was then sent to a referral laboratory for re-testing. The regulator said the second test also found that the product’s biotin content was not compliant with the prescribed standards.

FSSAI said it has filed three separate adjudication cases against Nestlé India over the alleged violations.

Responding to the action, a Nestlé spokesperson said the company’s products comply with applicable regulations. “Our products are fully compliant with all the applicable regulations. The said products (i.e., NAN EXCELLA PRO & LACTOGEN PRO) and their labels were approved by the expert committee of FSSAI," the spokesperson said.

The company said it had submitted a detailed response to the authorities regarding the statements used on the labels. It said the claims were factual and supported by scientific literature.

“We confirm adherence to all regulations, including all norms and label declarations as per applicable laws. We will continue to work closely and support FSSAI in its efforts towards consumer awareness," the spokesperson said.