FSSAI issues notices to BigBasket, Flipkart, Gemini Edibles over misleading claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, BigBasket and Flipkart India over alleged misleading health claims made for 'Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil'. The regulator said the product was promoted on e-commerce platforms and social media with claims about reducing bad cholesterol, maintaining or increasing good cholesterol, and containing more than 10,000 parts per million (PPM) of natural oryzanol.

Also Read: Maharashtra FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe bans sale of loose spices

"The cholesterol and heart-health claims were found to be not covered/permitted under the applicable claims for edible vegetable oil (rice bran oil) under the Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018," FSSAI said in a social media post.


The notices were issued to Gemini Edibles & Fats India, Innovative Retail Concepts, which operates BigBasket, and Flipkart India. The three food business operators (FBOs) have been asked to explain why action should not be taken against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Also Read: Edible oil refiners set to clock 10-12% revenue growth in FY27 despite duty cut: Report

Separately, FSSAI found that Gemini Edibles & Fats India was offering and selling food products through its own e-commerce website without appearing to hold a valid central licence covering e-commerce activities.

In another action, the regulator suspended the licence of DNV Food Products Ltd following an inspection that found serious non-compliance with food safety requirements. The violations were related to hygiene, sanitation, storage and licensing.

FSSAI has also cancelled the licence of Jhanvittanni over continued non-compliance with food safety rules and regulations.