Food business operators (FBOs) have been given a further four months, until the end of December 2024, by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to utilise pre-printed packaging materials that proclaim their products contain ‘100% fruit juices’. This extension follows the FSSAI's first June decision, which cited concerns over misleading information and mandated the immediate removal of such claims from product labels and marketing.
After consulting with industry stakeholders, who asked for extra time to comply with the new standards, the FSSAI took this judgment. In an advice to FBOs, the regulator said, "Based on various representations received, we have decided to extend the deadline for utilising pre-printed packaging materials until December 31, 2024,"
Furthermore, the FSSAI asserted that goods produced before the revised December 31 deadline may be offered for sale through all channels until the end of their useful lives.
The FSSAI ordered in June that all FBOs take down any claims of ‘100% fruit juices’ from reconstituted fruit juice labels and ads, effective right away.
The regulator observed that several FBOs had been falsely advertising these goods as ‘100% fruit juices’, which called for tighter regulation to shield customers from deceptive advertising.
