1 week ago
Nestlé CEO Supports India Crackdown on Misleading Food Labels
India’s food regulator is checking whether food companies make claims that could confuse shoppers.
It has sent more than 150 notices to companies about advertisements, health claims and labels.
Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil said people should be able to see what is in their food.
He said Nestlé already lists ingredients and calories in India.
He also supports labels on the front of packages to help people make choices.
However, he said the rules should be scientific and fair.
He suggested that labels consider normal serving sizes, because people eat portions rather than exact amounts of food by weight.
Nestlé said it would share its experience with the government if officials ask for help.
Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil backed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s intensified scrutiny of misleading food labels and claims.
The regulator has issued more than 150 notices over misleading advertisements, unverifiable health claims and labeling violations.
Navratil said Nestlé already discloses ingredients and calories in India, even where regulations do not require it.
He supported front-of-pack labeling but urged scientifically developed, balanced rules based on product portions rather than only weight.
Navratil said Nestlé would share scientific expertise and international regulatory experience with the Indian government if requested.
- Who
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, food and beverage companies, and Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil.
- What
- FSSAI has intensified action against misleading food claims and labeling violations, while Navratil endorsed greater transparency and balanced front-of-pack labeling rules.
- Where
- India, with Navratil speaking at a media roundtable in New Delhi.
- When
- The comments were reported on Wednesday, August 26; the regulatory scrutiny had been intensified recently.
- Why
- The measures aim to give consumers reliable information, support healthier choices and prevent potentially misleading claims such as “100 per cent,” “natural” and “healthy.”
Stricter Consumer Transparency
Balanced Scientific Regulation
Extent of labeling rules
Stricter Consumer Transparency
Stronger scrutiny and clearer disclosures can help consumers understand ingredients and avoid misleading claims.
Balanced Scientific Regulation
Navratil supports transparency but says regulations should be implemented appropriately, scientifically and with global best practices.
How nutrition should be measured
Stricter Consumer Transparency
Front-of-pack information should help consumers compare products and make healthier choices.
Balanced Scientific Regulation
Navratil argues that guidance should consider serving portions rather than only product weight, because some foods are eaten in portions or used as ingredients in small quantities.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Notices issued
- More than 150 notices to leading food and beverage companies
- Claims under scrutiny
- “100 per cent,” “healthy,” “natural,” “heart-friendly” and “no added sugar”
- Nestlé disclosure
- The company says it declares ingredients, including calories, in India even when not required by regulation
- Labeling proposal
- Navratil supports front-of-pack labeling norms
- Nestlé market performance
- India was described as Nestlé’s highest-performing market in the first half of calendar year 2026
- Government cooperation
- Nestlé said it would share scientific and international experience if asked
Quotes
Philipp Navratil
Global CEO of Nestle
“Even if it's not regulated, we would do it, because we welcome transparency. And so that goes hand in hand with, you know, what we think, how we think the quality of a product should be perceived.”
freepressjournal.in
“It will keep the population healthier, keep the consumers informed and help them make better choices for their families and for themselves”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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