FSSAI cracks down on two firms over misleading product claims; halts sale of Folineuro Syrup, Neuherbs True Vitamin

Food safety regulator FSSAI has taken action against nutraceutical manufacturer Vatave Healthcare and health and wellness company Global Healthfit Retail India Pvt Ltd over alleged misleading claims and branding of their products.

In separate actions, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prohibited Vatave Healthcare from manufacturing, storing, distributing and selling its "Folineuro Syrup - Folinic Acid Syrup", while directing Global Healthfit Retail India to immediately stop the sale of "Neuherbs True Vitamin", citing misleading product naming.

In a post on social media platform X, FSSAI said it had issued a prohibition order against Vatave Healthcare.


According to the regulator, the product name "Folineuro", along with the brain image on the front of the pack, suggests that the syrup is intended to support or improve brain or neurological functions.

"The product name 'Folineuro' along with the brain image on the Front Pack (FoP) implies that the product is intended to support or improve brain/neuro functions."

FSSAI said such representation amounts to misleading claims regarding the intended use of the product. It also noted that the syrup had been classified as a Functional Food under the FSS (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Food and Nutraceuticals) Regulations, even though no such category exists under Special Dietary Food for Medical Purpose.

The regulator said the product appears to be in violation of provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and has prohibited its manufacture, storage, distribution and sale with immediate effect.

FSSAI also warned that strict penal action would be taken if the company violates the prohibition order.

In a separate action, the regulator directed Global Healthfit Retail India to stop selling "Neuherbs True Vitamin" over what it described as a misleading trade name.

"The term 'True Vitamin' may mislead consumers as it is neither defined nor recognised under the FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, or the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, and is in contravention of the same," FSSAI said.

The regulator has asked the company to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 30 days, along with a justification for the corrective steps taken.

(With inputs from PTI)