FSSAI Directs Removal of ‘100% Fruit Juice’ Claims from Reconstituted Juice Labels
New Delhi, 3rd June 2024: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated that all Food Business Operators (FBOs) cease labeling and advertising reconstituted fruit juices as ‘100% fruit juices’ with immediate effect. FBOs have been instructed to use up all pre-printed packaging materials by September 1, 2024.
FSSAI’s investigation revealed that many FBOs inaccurately marketed reconstituted fruit juices as ‘100% fruit juices’. According to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, such claims are not permissible. The misleading nature of these claims is especially concerning when the primary ingredient is water, and the fruit concentrate or pulp, for which the claim is made, is present only in limited quantities.
In its directive, FSSAI emphasized that FBOs must adhere to the standards for fruit juices outlined in sub-regulation 2.3.6 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards & Food Additives) Regulation, 2011. According to these standards, products must be labeled in line with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. Specifically, if a juice is reconstituted from concentrate, it must be labeled as “reconstituted” in the ingredient list. Additionally, if added nutritive sweeteners exceed 15 gm/kg, the product must be labeled as ‘Sweetened juice’.
The FSSAI remains committed to safeguarding public health by enforcing rigorous food safety standards nationwide.
