Noida- Food labelling plays an important role in helping consumers understand what they are buying. A recent development involving Britannia Industries Limited and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has brought attention to how claims on food packaging should be worded and interpreted.

On 16 October 2026, the Delhi High Court reportedly granted interim relief to Britannia in its challenge to an FSSAI direction concerning the following claims on Nutri Choice Millets Cookies:

- “No Added Sugar”
- “No Maida”
- “No Palm Oil”


What Is the Dispute About

FSSAI raised concerns about these claims under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, particularly regarding how consumers might interpret them.

Britannia argued that the statements described ingredients absent from its product and should not be treated as misleading advertising claims.

The Court stayed the direction dated 9 October 2026 concerning the three claims at the interim stage. Britannia also agreed to discontinue the separate “100% Millets” claim.

However, an interim order should not be interpreted as a final ruling on whether the disputed claims are legally permissible. The matter was reported as listed for further hearing on 15 January 2027.


What Does This Mean for Food Business Operators

This development highlights several points that food businesses should consider when preparing packaging, product descriptions and advertisements.

1. Support every product claim with evidence

Statements about sugar, flour, oils, ingredients or nutritional properties should be supported by appropriate product information and assessed against the applicable regulations.

2. Consider how consumers may interpret a claim

A statement may appear factually correct to a manufacturer but could still raise concerns if consumers interpret it as suggesting a broader nutritional benefit.

3. Review labels before printing

Businesses should check ingredient declarations, nutrition information, product claims and promotional statements before approving packaging artwork. Correcting a label after production can create additional costs and operational difficulties.

4. Understand the applicable FSSAI requirements

Food businesses must follow the rules relevant to their products and activities. Depending on the nature and scale of operations, obtaining the appropriate FSSAI license may be one part of meeting their regulatory responsibilities.

5. Keep compliance records updated

Maintaining accurate ingredient specifications, supplier information, product formulations and supporting documents can help businesses demonstrate the basis for their claims if questions arise.


How Does This Relate to FSSAI Registration

Smaller food businesses should also understand their applicable registration or licensing requirements. FSSAI registration may apply to eligible small food business operators, depending on their activities and the prevailing eligibility criteria.

Registration or licensing alone does not make every product claim acceptable. Businesses must separately ensure that their labelling, advertising and product information comply with the rules applicable to them.

My Perspective

The Britannia–FSSAI dispute is a useful reminder that food labelling involves more than listing ingredients on a packet. The wording used to describe a product can influence consumer expectations and trust.

For food manufacturers, retailers and other food business operators, the practical approach is to review claims carefully, retain supporting evidence and check regulatory requirements before launching or changing a product label.

Businesses working through food safety and compliance questions can also refer to regulatory resources and professional guidance, including information shared by organisations such as Corpseed, to better understand the requirements relevant to their operations.

Ultimately, clear product information benefits both consumers and businesses. Accurate claims, appropriate approvals and transparent communication should remain central to responsible food marketing.

About Corpseed

Corpseed assists entrepreneurs and businesses with business incorporation, registrations, licenses and regulatory compliance requirements. Businesses planning USA Business Incorporation or company registration in USA can seek professional assistance to understand the incorporation process and related compliance requirements.

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