Full Breakdown
FSSAI Initiates Legal Action Against Nestlé India Over Infant Nutrition Products
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Three Adjudication Cases Filed on September 18, 2026
On September 18, 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) filed three adjudication cases against Nestlé India Ltd. The cases involve two infant formula products—NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1—and a follow-up formula. The regulator cites violations of Regulation 4(2) of the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations 2020, which bars promotional claims, and Section 3 of the Infant Milk Substitutes Act 1992, which prohibits advertising of such products.
Background & Context
Infant nutrition products in India face stricter labeling and advertising rules because they influence feeding choices during a critical developmental stage. The FSSAI has intensified enforcement, issuing more than 150 notices in recent months for misleading advertisements and non-compliant labeling. This action follows earlier scrutiny of Nestlé’s Maggi noodles in June 2026 and reflects the authority’s broader push to curb promotional practices in the infant-food segment.
Data & Statistics
- Products examined: NAN Excella Pro Stage 1, Lactogen Pro 1, and a follow-up formula.
- Nutrient non-compliance: Laboratory analysis found the follow-up formula’s biotin (vitamin B7) level below the requirement prescribed in the 2020 regulations; a referral laboratory confirmed the deficiency on re-analysis.
- Market reaction: Nestlé India shares fell nearly 3 percent, reaching an intraday low of INR1,332.80 on the BSE and closing at INR1,364.90 on the NSE, down 0.42 percent.
Official Statements & Responses
The FSSAI’s public statement on Instagram detailed the three cases and reiterated its commitment to enforcement. It noted that clarifications had been sought from Nestlé India regarding the disputed claims.
Nestlé said the labels for NAN Excella Pro and Lactogen Pro were approved by an FSSAI expert committee and that it had submitted a detailed response, asserting the contested statements are factual and supported by scientific literature. The company pledged continued cooperation with the regulator.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our products are fully compliant with all the applicable regulations. The said products (i.e., NAN EXCELLA PRO & LACTOGEN PRO) and their labels were approved by the expert committee of FSSAI. In response to the notice, we have again submitted our detailed response to the authorities regarding statements appearing on the label, which are factual in nature, and supported by scientific literature,” — Nestlé India
- “In a post on Instagram, FSSAI said, “Legal action initiated against Nestle India Ltd over several non-compliances pertaining to the FSS Act.” — Put Ketchup On FSSAI, the expert
Why It Matters
The proceedings could lead to monetary penalties, mandatory label revisions, or restrictions on online listings, affecting Nestlé India’s infant-nutrition portfolio. The case highlights regulatory risk for FMCG companies in tightly controlled advertising categories and may prompt industry reviews of marketing practices.
What’s Next
The adjudication process will determine whether the alleged promotional claims and biotin deficiency constitute enforceable violations. The regulator has not set a decision deadline; the cases will be examined under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Nestlé India says it will continue to work closely with the FSSAI while the proceedings unfold.