The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to Nestlé India, Abbott Healthcare, Nutricia International, Mead Johnson Nutrition India and Zydus Wellness over advertising claims involving infant formula products and Complan. On October 21, 2026, the regulator sought scientific evidence for claims concerning digestion, immunity, brain development and children’s growth. It also flagged the alleged promotion of infant milk substitutes through Instagram.
Zydus Wellness has maintained that Complan complies with applicable regulations and that its claims are scientifically supported, while Nestlé India has previously said its product labels comply with regulations and are backed by scientific literature. The notices seek explanations and do not constitute final findings of wrongdoing.
FSSAI Questions Claims
The regulator has questioned claims made on the packaging and promotional material of Nestlé’s Lactogen Pro 1 Powder and NAN Excella Pro Stage 1. For Lactogen Pro 1, it has sought scientific evidence supporting the claim that the whey protein in the product is easy to digest.
For NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, FSSAI raised concerns over the claim that “5 HMOs helps support normal immune system”. The authority said the wording could imply a physiological benefit that may not be permitted under existing regulations unless specifically authorised. It also sought evidence supporting the product’s whey protein digestibility claim.
Zydus Wellness Products Limited has separately received a notice over Complan, with FSSAI questioning claims such as “2X Faster Growth”, “Supports Concentration and Memory” and “Pro Immunity + 34 Vital Nutrients”. The regulator has sought scientific justification for these advertised benefits and flagged the statement “Growth Comes in 4 Flavours” under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
Infant Formula Promotion On Social Media
The notices also concern an Instagram Reel posted by influencer Ira Fathima featuring a “Top 5” list of infant formula products, including NAN-Pro 1, Aptamil Premium 1, Similac Advance 1, Enfamil A+ Stage 1 and Dexolac 1. FSSAI alleged that the content attributed benefits such as balanced nutrition, stronger immunity, brain development and easier digestion to these products. Notices were issued to the influencer and the companies associated with the products, including Abbott Healthcare, Nestlé India, Nutricia International and Mead Johnson Nutrition India.
The regulator has cited the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992, amended in 2003, alongside the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020. The law seeks to protect breastfeeding from commercial promotion of infant milk substitutes.
Dr Arun Gupta, founder of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India and convenor of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, welcomed the regulatory action, calling the notice concerning Instagram promotion “an important step towards holding companies and promoters accountable”. He urged authorities to investigate the alleged violations thoroughly and pursue prosecution where warranted.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Food advertisements can influence how parents make decisions about their children’s nutrition, particularly when claims promise faster growth, stronger immunity or improved cognitive development. Such statements must be supported by reliable scientific evidence and presented responsibly, especially when they concern infants and young children. At the same time, regulatory action must follow a fair process, allowing companies to present evidence and respond to concerns before conclusions are reached.
Nestlé India has said it has submitted a detailed response to FSSAI, maintaining that its product labels were approved by the regulator’s expert committee and that the claims are supported by scientific literature. Zydus Wellness has also maintained that Complan complies with applicable regulations and that its claims are scientifically supported.
The larger issue is public trust. Clear labelling, transparent evidence and consistent enforcement can help parents make informed choices without relying solely on persuasive advertising. Regulators, manufacturers and digital platforms must work together to ensure that commercial messaging does not overshadow children’s nutritional needs or create unrealistic expectations among families. Should food and nutrition companies face stricter checks before advertising growth and immunity benefits for children, and how can regulators ensure both accountability and fairness?
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