FSSAI flags ‘misleading’ heart-health claims on rice bran oil; BigBasket, Flipkart face notices

HYDERABAD: Food regulator FSSAI has issued notices to Hyderabad-based Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, BigBasket and Flipkart for allegedly making misleading health claims while selling rice bran oil.In a social media post on Friday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said notices had been issued to Gemini Edibles & Fats India, Innovative Retail Concepts (BigBasket) and Flipkart India over claims related to the product ‘Freedom Cooking Rice Bran Oil’.The product was promoted through e-commerce platforms and social media with claims such as “Reduces bad cholesterol and maintains/increases good cholesterol” and “10,000+ PPM Natural Oryzanol”, the regulator said, news agency PTI reported.“The cholesterol and heart-health claims were found to be not covered/permitted under the applicable claims for edible vegetable oil (rice bran oil) under the Advertising and Claims Regulations, 2018,” FSSAI said.The regulator also found that Gemini Edibles & Fats India was offering and selling food products through its own e-commerce website without appearing to hold a valid central licence covering e-commerce activity.The three food business operators have been directed to show cause why action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, PTI reported.Separately, FSSAI has suspended the licence of DNV Food Products Ltd following an inspection that revealed serious non-compliances related to hygiene, sanitation, storage and licensing.The regulator has also cancelled the licence of Jhanvittanni for continued non-compliance with food safety rules and regulations.(With agency inputs)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in DelhiStay updated with the latest Delhi news. Download the TOI App.