Regulatory action raises questions about health claims, product labelling and the information consumers rely on to make food choices.
NEW DELHI, October 19, 2026: Health and nutrition claims on everyday food products can influence what people buy for themselves and their families. But how can consumers know whether claims about stronger bones, improved nutrition or specific health benefits are adequately supported?
This question has come into focus after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) over alleged misleading claims, labelling discrepancies and other regulatory compliance concerns involving selected food and nutrition products.
The notices highlight an important public health issue: consumers need clear, accurate and scientifically supported information to make informed decisions about what they eat and drink.
Why the Health Claims Matter
According to media reports, FSSAI questioned claims associated with certain Horlicks products marketed by HUL, including statements relating to bone strength, bone health and healthy birth weight.
For Nestlé India, the regulator reportedly raised concerns involving Resource Renal, a specialised nutritional product intended for people with chronic kidney disease, as well as the labelling and online descriptions of selected Nescafé ready-to-drink beverages.
The concerns differ from product to product. They include questions about whether particular claims are adequately supported, whether product descriptions accurately reflect the food category and composition, and whether the applicable regulatory requirements have been met.
The notices represent regulatory concerns and allegations, not a final determination that the companies have violated the law or that the products are unsafe.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
Nutrition claims can create expectations about what a product will do for the body. Statements referring to stronger bones, improved muscle health or better pregnancy outcomes may be particularly influential for parents, women, older adults and people managing health conditions.
However, a claim on a package should not be interpreted as a guarantee of a particular health outcome.
A fortified drink, for example, may provide selected vitamins and minerals, but its overall nutritional value depends on its complete composition, serving size, the consumer’s dietary needs and the rest of their diet. A health-related claim should also be assessed in the context of the evidence supporting it and the conditions under which it is permitted.
Similarly, terms such as “no added sugar” should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that a product contains no sugars or carbohydrates. Consumers should check the nutrition information panel and ingredient list to understand what a product actually contains.
Special Caution for Pregnant Women and People with Medical Conditions
Claims relating to pregnancy, infant development or medical nutrition deserve particular attention because consumers may rely on them when making decisions with significant health implications.
Pregnant women should seek dietary advice from qualified healthcare professionals rather than relying solely on marketing claims about pregnancy nutrition or birth weight.
People with chronic kidney disease should be especially careful when choosing specialised nutritional products. Their requirements for protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients can vary according to their condition and treatment plan. Products intended for medical nutrition should be used with advice from the treating doctor or a qualified renal dietitian.
Consumers should not stop prescribed treatment or replace a medically recommended diet because of a regulatory notice or a product advertisement.
Five Things to Check Before Buying a Nutrition Product
Consumers can take a few practical steps to make more informed choices:
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- Read the nutrition label: Check the amount of sugar, protein, fat, sodium and other relevant nutrients per serving.
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- Understand health claims: Claims about bone health, immunity, pregnancy or other benefits should not be treated as guaranteed results.
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- Check the ingredients: Review the ingredient list as well as front-of-pack statements, including claims such as “no added sugar”.
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- Match the product to your needs: A product marketed for general nutrition may not be appropriate for a person with a medical condition.
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- Seek professional advice when necessary: Consult a doctor or registered dietitian before using specialised nutritional products to manage a health condition.
Why Transparent Food Labelling Matters
Food labels and advertisements are important sources of information for consumers. When claims are unclear, inconsistent or difficult to interpret, people may struggle to distinguish general nutritional information from claims that imply a specific health benefit.
Regulatory scrutiny can help bring these issues into focus and reinforce the importance of accurate labelling, evidence-based communication and compliance with food safety requirements.
The next steps in these cases will depend on the responses submitted by the companies and the regulator’s assessment. Until the process is complete, consumers should avoid drawing conclusions about product safety solely from the issuance of a notice.
The Aarogyam Times Takeaway: Good nutrition begins with informed choices, not marketing promises. Read labels carefully, question claims that sound like guaranteed health outcomes, and seek qualified advice when choosing products for pregnancy, children or medical conditions. Consumers deserve food information that is clear, reliable and supported by evidence.
