Nestle, Zydus, Abbott face India scrutiny over claims on children's products

India’s food safety authority has sent notices to Nestle India, Zydus Wellness, Abbott Healthcare and others concerning marketing statements tied to infant and children’s products, Business Recorder reported. The regulator identified Complan, Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and infant milk substitutes among the products covered. Nestle India was asked to substantiate statements about digestive and immune-system benefits for two infant formula products, while Zydus Wellness must provide scientific support for growth claims used to promote Complan.

The action follows a proposal to prohibit added sucrose and fructose in foods for babies up to six months, alongside wider efforts to tighten food oversight and require front-of-pack warnings. Nestle India said the latest communication repeated concerns first raised on September 18 and that it had already filed a detailed reply. Abbott said it had no role in, and no prior knowledge of, the Instagram content cited in its notice, and had informed the regulator accordingly.