In the era of heightened health consciousness and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, consumers are seeking food options that align with healthy eating patterns. To meet this demand, food businesses often market their products as part of a “healthy diet” or “balanced lifestyle.” However, to prevent misleading or exaggerated claims, such statements are governed by strict regulatory frameworks under India’s Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA).
Regulation 8 of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations outlines the criteria for making claims related to healthy diets and dietary guidelines. These rules ensure that such claims are scientifically backed, aligned with national dietary standards, and do not mislead consumers by oversimplifying or exaggerating health benefits.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of this regulation, its implications for food businesses, and its role in protecting consumer interests.
What Are “Healthy Diet” Claims?
Claims related to a healthy diet refer to statements or representations that link a particular food or food product with a nutritionally balanced dietary pattern. These claims may use phrases like:
Such claims often influence consumers who are trying to adhere to nationally recommended dietary practices. However, without regulation, they may be used loosely or misrepresent actual nutritional value. Hence, FSSAI ensures these claims are made only under clearly defined criteria.
1. Reference to ICMR Dietary Guidelines
Requirement
Any claim about a food being a part of a “healthy diet” must be in accordance with:
The label must also clearly state the connection between the food product and the ICMR-recommended dietary pattern.
Rationale
ICMR’s dietary guidelines are developed by medical and nutritional experts based on scientific research, population health trends, and nutritional needs across different age groups in India. Aligning food claims with these guidelines ensures:
Example
A ready-to-eat millet-based breakfast may carry a label saying:
“Millets are recommended as part of a healthy diet rich in fiber and whole grains – as per ICMR guidelines.”
This kind of claim must be backed by the food’s composition and aligned with national dietary policy.
2. Holistic Nutritional Evaluation: No Cherry-Picking
Provision
Foods described as part of a “healthy” or “balanced” diet must:
The product must reflect a well-rounded nutritional profile, consistent with ICMR guidelines and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).
Issue with Selective Claims
Many brands highlight one positive attribute while ignoring harmful ones:
Such cherry-picking of nutritional benefits is prohibited under this regulation.
Business Implication
Before positioning a product as “healthy,” businesses must conduct a full nutritional assessment and ensure compliance with ICMR thresholds across the board.
3. Foods Should Not Be Depicted as Singularly Health-Giving
Provision
A food product must not be described as “healthy” or represented in any way that implies that it alone will impart health benefits.
This provision reinforces that:
Prohibited Representations
Claims such as:
…are not allowed, unless supported by substantial scientific evidence and regulated under specific health claim provisions.
Permitted Language
Acceptable claims might include:
Such language places the food in context of a broader eating pattern, rather than exaggerating its individual benefit.
4. Flexibility in Wording Permitted
Provision
FSSAI allows flexibility in phrasing as long as the essence of the claim is consistent with:
This flexibility accommodates:
Examples
Acceptable variations may include:
However, even flexible language must be truthful, not misleading, and based on evidence.
Key Objectives of This Regulation
Aligns marketing strategies with India’s nutrition and wellness objectives.
Regulatory Challenges
While the regulation sets a clear standard, several challenges persist:
Compliance Strategy for Food Businesses
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating these rules may result in:
Conclusion
The regulation of claims related to dietary guidelines or healthy diets under the FSSAI framework plays a vital role in shaping transparent, science-backed, and consumer-friendly food labeling.
By ensuring that “healthy” claims are not used loosely or misleadingly, FSSAI promotes a responsible food ecosystem where businesses align with national nutrition goals and consumer protection principles.
For food businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity—to innovate responsibly, meet consumer demand for healthier products, and build lasting trust by adhering to the principles of truthful and informed marketing.
Read more about this Regulation: Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018
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