FSSAI Cracks Down on Misleading “100% Fruit Juice” Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action to ensure transparency in fruit juice labeling. The regulator has directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to immediately remove “100% fruit juice” claims from labels and advertisements of reconstituted fruit juices. This press release was published on June 3, 2024.

The FSSAI found that several FBOs were misrepresenting reconstituted fruit juices, which often contain significant amounts of water alongside fruit concentrates or pulp. According to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, the “100%” claim is not permitted in such cases.

New Labeling Requirements

1. Removal of “100%”: FBOs must remove any claims suggesting reconstituted juices are 100% fruit juice.
2. Inventory Depletion: Existing pre-printed packaging materials can be used until September 1, 2024.
3. Accurate Labeling: Products must adhere to labeling regulations. This includes:
   • Clearly mentioning “reconstituted” for reconstituted juices in the ingredient list.
   • Labeling products as “Sweetened juice” if added nutritive sweeteners exceed 15 gm/kg.