Posting on X, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said Nestle's Resource Renal Vanilla Flavour Powder was promoted as a dietary supplement intended for managing a medical condition; however, the firm lacked prior approval and the package did not indicate if it was vegetarian or non vegetarian.
The regulator also pointed to Hindustan Unilever's Horlicks's Mother's Plus Kesar 400 g BIB for a "happy birth weight" claim. It added that Horlicks Women's Plus products listed benefits including "improves bone health," "healthy muscles," and "no added sugar."
According to the authority, the two firms had violated its rules and were asked to reply to the notices. As of Sunday, Nestle India had yet to reply to a request for comment. In an emailed statement, Hindustan Unilever said the two products meet all applicable requirements and that it will provide "scientific and regulatory evidence" to the authorities.
This comes amid a wider safety push in recent months targeting food makers, hotels, restaurants, and e commerce platforms over misleading labels, inappropriate marketing, operating illegal units, and improper storage. Local agencies have also intensified checks following social media complaints about poor product standards. In September, the regulator began legal proceedings against Nestle India over breaches of infant nutrition marketing rules and over claims of substandard manufacturing. At the time, Nestle said its products complied with regulations.
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Why it matters: tighter scrutiny of supplement marketing raises the bar for evidence. If authorities force changes to claims or labels, brands may need to rework packaging and campaigns, which can pressure near term sales and ad budgets. The flip side is clarity. Products that can substantiate benefits should keep shelf space and consumer trust, while borderline claims face headwinds.
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