New Delhi: 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.”
The issue follows testing of a sample collected from the premises of a hotel chain in Connaught Place, New Delhi. 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 given an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst’s findings within the prescribed period under the food safety law.
Nestle Explains Phosphorus Content
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.
FSSAI Action and Product Sale Restrictions
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.
The hotel chain had not issued an official statement regarding the matter at the time of the report.
The regulatory process allows the concerned FBO to challenge or appeal the Food Analyst’s findings within the period specified under the law. This means the laboratory report represents an important stage in the regulatory process, while the final outcome may depend on further proceedings and any appeal or additional analysis undertaken by the authorities.
Regulatory Compliance Under Focus
The development highlights the complexity of food safety testing for milk-based products, particularly when naturally occurring nutrients overlap with regulated additives.
Phosphorus is naturally present in milk, making its assessment particularly relevant for products manufactured using milk-derived ingredients. Nestle’s response centers on the distinction between naturally occurring phosphorus and phosphorus added during processing.
For the dairy and food processing industry, the case also highlights the importance of maintaining detailed ingredient records, regulatory documentation and analytical data to demonstrate compliance with food safety standards.
As the matter progresses through the regulatory process, further clarification from the authorities and the concerned Food Business Operator could determine how the product’s compliance status is ultimately assessed.
For consumers and the dairy industry, the episode underscores the importance of transparent food testing, regulatory oversight and clear communication between food manufacturers, laboratories and food safety authorities.