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FSSAI flags Horlicks for misleading health claims
18 Oct
Summary
- FSSAI issued notices to Hindustan Unilever regarding Horlicks products.
- Misleading claims about bone strength and healthy muscles were flagged.
- Horlicks Mother's Plus faced scrutiny for 'healthy birth weight' claims.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Hindustan Unilever concerning alleged misleading claims for two Horlicks products. The Horlicks Women's Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink was flagged for claims such as 'nutrition for strong bones' and 'healthy muscles,' with the latter violating regulations for using the term 'healthy.'
The 'no added sugar' claim on Women's Plus was deemed misleading due to the presence of maltodextrin, and the nutritional information table was non-compliant. Claims of providing 100% RDA for calcium, vitamin D, and K2 also failed to meet safety requirements.
Separately, Horlicks Mother's Plus Kesar faced scrutiny for its 'healthy birth weight' claims on the label and in advertisements. FSSAI noted these phrases could imply health benefits not permitted by regulations. Claims like 'for pregnancy and lactation' and 'DHA for brain development' on e-commerce listings were also found non-compliant.
Hindustan Unilever must respond to the FSSAI notice within the stipulated period. Licensing authorities and e-commerce platforms have also been directed to take appropriate action.
