The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notice to Nestlé India on Wednesday over claims about its Lactogen Pro 1 Powder. The regulator asked the company to provide scientific evidence to support its claim that the product contains easily digestible whey protein.

FSSAI said the claim appeared on the product’s packaging or advertising materials.

The regulator directed Nestlé India to submit scientific evidence, relevant documents and supporting materials within the prescribed timeframe.

“FSSAI has issued notices to Food Business Operators (FBOs) regarding misleading claims and non-compliant promotions involving products like Lactogen Pro 1 Powder, Nan Excella Pro Stage 1 and infant milk substitutes,” the regulator said.

FSSAI noted that the product packaging or advertising material carried the claim: “Contains Whey Protein, which is a part of milk protein that is easy to digest.” It asked the company to provide scientific evidence supporting the claim about whey protein’s digestibility.

The regulator also directed the company to submit the required documents and supporting evidence within the stipulated period.

The notice forms part of FSSAI’s broader crackdown on misleading claims and promotional practices that violate food safety regulations. The exercise covers several products marketed by different companies, including nutritional supplements and infant feeding products such as Complan and Nan Excella Pro Stage 1.

FSSAI requires food companies to support claims on product labels, packaging and advertisements with adequate scientific evidence. Companies must also ensure that their promotional material complies with India’s food safety and advertising regulations.

The regulator said the notices require the companies concerned to explain why it should not initiate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed under it. The companies must submit their responses within the stipulated period from the date of issuance of the notices.