The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated legal proceedings against Nestlé India Limited over alleged regulatory violations involving three infant nutrition products.

According to an adjudication sanction notice, the action concerns NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, Lactogen Pro 1 and a follow-up formula manufactured by the company. The food safety regulator examined the products and promotional material available on e-commerce platforms before raising concerns over certain claims and the nutritional composition of one product.

In the case of NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, FSSAI flagged promotional claims referring to “5 HMOs” and “Whey Protein.” The regulator sought an explanation from Nestlé India and subsequently stated that the product violated Regulation 4(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.

The regulation places restrictions on promotional material relating to infant foods when such communication is intended to increase the saleability of the products.

FSSAI also examined promotional material for Lactogen Pro 1, which described its whey protein as “easy to digest”. The regulator sought clarification from Nestlé India and stated that the product was also in contravention of Regulation 4(2) of the 2020 regulations.

The third case relates to the nutritional composition of a Nestlé follow-up formula. According to the regulator’s notice, laboratory testing found that a sample did not meet the prescribed standard for biotin content.

The sample was subsequently sent for re-analysis, following which the Referral Laboratory also found it non-compliant with the applicable biotin requirement under the 2020 regulations.

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in several bodily functions. Infant nutrition products are required to meet specified nutritional standards under India’s food safety regulations.

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