The FSSAI has issued a notice warning that action must be taken against FBOs selling misleading ghee or butter products in the market. The notice was issued on 23rd January, 2023.
The notice states that the FSSAI has observed that certain FBOs are using dairy terms for selling non-dairy products. These products are being sold in the market and on e-commerce platforms/ websites. For example the terms ‘Plant Based Ghee/ Butter‘ or ‘Vegan Ghee/ Butter‘ are used for selling products of non-animal origin, which are usually a blend/ mixture of two or more edible oils/ hydrogenated fats and natural identical flavours. FSSAI has also observed that such products are also being sold deceptively as ‘Vegan Ghee‘.
The FSSAI has reiterated that where a product is milk/ milk product/ composite milk product, an FBO cannot label it as a milk/ milk product/ composite milk product. Similarly, the FBO shall not use a commercial document, publicity material, or any form of point of sale presentation that claims, implies or suggests that the product is a milk/ milk product/ composite milk product.
Additionally, the authority also emphasises that ghee/ butter cannot be claimed to be vegan foods and the use of vegan food claim and vegan logo are only permitted after the prior approval of FSSAI.
Therefore, enforcement actions will be brought against any FBOs found violating the above provisions. The Commissioners of Food Safety and Regional Directors, FSSAI, will be required to share an action taken report in this regard by 15th February, 2023.
