Nestlé is facing legal action in India after the country's food regulator found issues involving three infant nutrition products.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it found problems related to product claims and quality standards after examining infant nutrition products and promotional material available through e-commerce platforms.
FSSAI identifies issues with infant products
According to the regulator, claims associated with NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1 did not comply with rules governing the promotion of infant foods.
FSSAI also said laboratory testing found a sample of a follow-up infant formula to be below the prescribed standard for biotin, also known as vitamin B7.
A referral laboratory subsequently confirmed the non-compliance, according to the regulator.
Legal action has been initiated
FSSAI said it has initiated legal proceedings against Nestlé India over the alleged violations.
The action comes as Indian food authorities continue to increase scrutiny of packaged food products, labelling and marketing claims.
The regulator's findings relate to specific products and samples. They should not be interpreted as a finding that every Nestlé infant nutrition product fails to meet Indian standards.
Nestlé products remain under scrutiny
Nestlé is one of India's major consumer companies and the country is an important market for the Swiss food giant.
Reuters reported that Nestlé India shares were down around 2.5% during Friday afternoon trading after the regulator's action became public.
Nestlé had not immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment at the time of the report.
Why infant food regulations are strict
Infant nutrition products are subject to particularly detailed rules because they are intended for young children and are often used as part of early-life nutrition.
India regulates both the composition and promotion of infant foods. Companies must meet prescribed nutritional standards and follow restrictions around how these products can be advertised and marketed.
That makes laboratory testing and product claims an important part of regulatory enforcement.
What consumers should know
The FSSAI action concerns specific products and alleged violations identified during the regulator's investigation.
Parents who use infant nutrition products should rely on product information, medical advice and official regulatory updates rather than assuming that the action applies to an entire brand.
The legal process will also provide an opportunity for the company to respond to the regulator's findings.
What happens next
FSSAI's legal action is expected to move through the relevant regulatory and legal process. Further testing, company responses and possible regulatory decisions will determine the next stage of the case.
The development also highlights the growing attention being given to food safety, online product claims and infant nutrition products in India's expanding e-commerce market.
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