In a significant move to protect consumer rights and enhance food safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a new digital utility that empowers consumers to report misleading claims on food products.
This new initiative allows consumers to lodge complaints regarding false or misleading claims found on packaged food labels, helping the authorities take swift action against non-compliant businesses.
Consumers can easily submit their concerns through the Food Safety Connect app or the Food Safety Compliance System (FOSCOS) website. The reporting process requires essential details like images of the misleading label, the manufacturer's FSSAI registration number, and the e-commerce link if the product is sold online. This streamlines the process, allowing authorities to quickly gather evidence and address violations.
This initiative builds on existing regulations, such as the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, which require food claims to be truthful, clear, and backed by scientific evidence. It also aligns with FSSAI's Advertisement and Claims Monitoring Committee, which ensures that food claims made through advertisements and on product labels meet the necessary standards.
By enabling consumers to report misleading claims, FSSAI is promoting transparency in the food industry and encouraging active public participation in safeguarding food safety. The objective is to create a more informed and health-conscious society, where food labelling is accurate and reliable.
The Food Safety Connect app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. With this new reporting tool, FSSAI aims to strengthen oversight and promote honesty in food labelling, creating a safer and more transparent food environment for everyone.
