The label and advertisement changes require instant compliance.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited labeling and marketing of reconstituted fruit juices as ‘100% fruit juice. ’This directive takes place today and will ban the use of pre-printed packaging materials by September 1, 2024.
The following misleading claims were identified by FSSAI:
FSSAI realized that several FBOs were misleadingly labeling reconstituted fruit juices as ‘100% fruit juice’. The FSSAI after reviewing the matter found that such claims do not find legal backing under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 insofar as the regulation does not allow a ‘100%’ claim for reconstituted juices.
Inaccuracy in Ingredient Composition
These claims were considered false especially where water forms a major constituent and the fruit portion is present in low proportions. This includes the juices prepared from concentrate or pulp and diluted with water.
Mandatory Labeling Requirements
However, Indian food laws require that products such as these are described as ‘reconstituted’ in the list of ingredients. Further, if the juice contains more than fifteen gm/kg of added nutritive sweeteners then it must be labeled as ‘sweetened juice’.
Promoting Transparency and Consumer Confidence
Food industries are required to adhere to these regulations to provide accurate information to consumers.
