Nestle India defends low fat dairy whitener after FSSAI lab report

INDIA – Nestle India has said its low fat dairy whitener is safe for consumption and complies with applicable food safety regulations after a laboratory report classified a sample of the product as substandard and unsafe.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Food Analyst’s laboratory report found the sample to be non-compliant with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Following the laboratory findings, the relevant Food Business Operator (FBO) was provided with a copy of the report and issued a notice regarding the product.

The FBO was also allowed to appeal against the Food Analyst’s findings within the prescribed period under the food safety law.

Responding to the findings, a Nestle India spokesperson said the company’s Low Fat Dairy Whitener meets applicable regulatory requirements. The company specifically addressed the issue of phosphorus identified in the laboratory analysis.

According to Nestle, phosphorus occurs naturally in milk and is consequently present in milk-based products.

The company argued that laboratory reporting of total phosphorus against the applicable additive limit does not necessarily distinguish between naturally occurring phosphorus from milk ingredients and phosphorus originating from added substances.

The company said its product complies with prescribed limits for added phosphorus under the applicable Food Safety and Standards Regulations, including requirements assessed on an as-consumed basis.

Nestle also stated that it has been engaging with the authorities through the established legal process and has submitted information concerning other similar milk-based products to demonstrate the presence of naturally occurring phosphorus within the category.

The laboratory report prompted regulatory action concerning the identified product. FSSAI said the sample was collected from a hotel chain’s premises in Connaught Place and was subsequently examined by a Food Analyst.

The report classified the sample as “substandard” and “unsafe,” indicating that the product did not meet certain requirements under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Following the findings, the Food Business Operator was directed to take necessary action. The operator was also instructed to immediately prohibit the sale of the identified unsafe food product.

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