FSSAI Issues Notices to BigBasket, Flipkart Over Rice Bran Oil Claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Hyderabad-based Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, BigBasket operator Innovative Retail Concepts and Flipkart India over health claims made for Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil. The regulator announced the action in a social media post on Friday, October 16.
What the Regulator Objected To
The product was promoted online with claims that it reduces bad cholesterol, maintains or increases good cholesterol, and contains “10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol”. FSSAI said such claims were not permitted for rice bran oil under the Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018. It also said Gemini Edibles appeared to sell food on its own website without a valid central licence covering e-commerce.
The three companies have been asked to show cause why action should not be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The notices are not a final finding. In the same drive, FSSAI suspended the licence of DNV Food Products Ltd and cancelled that of Jhanvittanni over non-compliance.
For families, the action is a reminder to treat health claims on cooking oils with care. More short stories are in our Quick Reads section.
Based on reporting by The Tribune / PTI and Asianet Newsable.
Image: The Tribune / iStock.
