The tin of Horlicks or Complan on your kitchen shelf has been in the news this week. Between 17 and 22 October, FSSAI sent show-cause notices to several big food brands over what their labels and ads promise. A show-cause notice asks a company to explain why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Short answer: FSSAI has questioned claims such as "Healthy Birth Weight", "2X Faster Growth" and "No Added Sugar" on Horlicks, Complan and Nestlé products. These are notices asking for an explanation, not bans.
What happened FSSAI sent show-cause notices between 17 and 22 October. |
Where it stands No final order has been reported. |
What it is about Claims on labels and ads, not a safety finding. |
What you can do Check any pack yourself with the 5-point list below. |
What has FSSAI asked Horlicks, Complan and Nestlé to explain?
The notices came in two rounds. The Horlicks and Nestlé notices were reported on 18 October, and the notices on infant nutrition and Complan followed on 21 and 22 October. Here is what each report says was questioned:
| Company and product | What FSSAI questioned |
|---|---|
| Hindustan Unilever, Horlicks Mother's Plus Kesar | "Healthy Birth Weight" on the label and "For baby's healthy birth weight" in an ad. FSSAI called it potentially misleading because it implies the food itself delivers the benefit. |
| Hindustan Unilever, Horlicks Women's Plus Chocolate | "Clinically Proven to Help Improve Bone Strength in 6 Months", "Healthy Muscles" and "No Added Sugar", because the product contains maltodextrin (Storyboard18). |
| Zydus Wellness, Complan | "2X Faster Growth", "Clinically Proven 2X Growth" and "Supports Concentration and Memory", as reported by Upstox. |
| Nestlé India, Lactogen Pro 1 | A claim that its whey protein is "easy to digest". FSSAI asked for supporting documents and scientific proof. The product is named in Upstox. |
| Nestlé India, NAN Excella Pro Stage 1 | A claim about HMO ingredients that FSSAI called non-compliant with the rule against claims of preventing, treating or curing a condition, unless specifically allowed (Khaleej Times). |
| Formula makers and one influencer | An Instagram reel that ranked infant formulas by benefits. Abbott said the content was made by a third party without its knowledge. |
No deadline in days or a calendar date has been reported. Companies have to reply within a "stipulated period", and FSSAI has said further action could follow if the explanation is not satisfactory. As of 19 October, Just Drinks reported no response from HUL. Nestlé has said NAN Excella Pro, Lactogen Pro and their labels were approved by FSSAI's own expert committee, as reported by Organiser.
Does this mean Horlicks or Complan is unsafe?
Nothing in these reports says so. The notices on Horlicks and Complan are about claims on labels and in ads, not about a safety finding. And a notice is a request to explain, not a verdict. Both sides will now get to put their case.
What the notices do show is how closely regulators are reading the words on packs that are marketed to children, mothers and students.
Is "health drink" even an official category in India?
No. FSSAI has said the term is "not defined or standardised" under the FSS Act, 2006. On 10 April 2024, the Ministry of Commerce told e-commerce platforms to remove Bournvita and other drinks from their "health drinks" category, after the child rights commission found that Indian food law has no such definition.
So "health drink" on a shelf or app is a marketing label, not a grade that a food has to earn.
What does "No Added Sugar" really mean?
It does not mean the drink has no sugar, or that it has no ingredients that add sweetness or carbohydrate. Outlook India explains that the 2018 claims regulations treat it as sugar not being added during manufacturing.
That is why the Horlicks Women's Plus claim was questioned: the product contains maltodextrin. The same claim is being tested in court as well. On 16 October, the Delhi High Court stayed an FSSAI order asking Britannia to drop "No Added Sugar", "No Maida" and "No Palm Oil" from its biscuit packs. That case is still pending, so exactly where the line falls is still being argued.
How can you read a health drink label in 5 checks?
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| 1. The big promise | Words like "clinically proven", "2X faster" or "for healthy birth weight". Ask who proved it. FSSAI has asked for scientific backing for some of these lines, such as the whey protein claim. |
| 2. The ingredient list | Look for sugar and for ingredients that add sweetness or carbohydrate, such as maltodextrin or glucose syrup solids, even when the front says "No Added Sugar". |
| 3. The nutrition table | Check sugar and calories per serving, and compare the serving size with how much you actually make. |
| 4. Benefit lines | A powder in milk cannot promise a growth, bone or birth-weight result by itself. FSSAI's concern with the Horlicks claim was that it implies the product itself gives the benefit. |
| 5. Medical products | FSSAI says Nestlé's Resource Renal powder falls under "Food for Special Medical Purpose", which needs prior approval. Products like these are for use on a doctor's advice. |
For babies, speak to your paediatrician before choosing or changing formula. FSSAI's notice alleges that the influencer reel violated the Infant Milk Substitutes Act, so treat reels that rank formulas with caution.
What can you do at home instead?
You do not need to throw anything away. You only need to stop treating a tin as a shortcut for a meal. A glass of milk, a banana, a handful of peanuts or roti with dal does a lot of the work that a powder promises to do.
If you are unsure how much protein you need in a day, try our Protein Requirement Calculator. For more on hidden sugar and packaged foods, read our ultra-processed foods list for India and what FSSAI's new draft on sugar in baby food changes.
FAQs
Has FSSAI banned Horlicks or Complan?
No. FSSAI has issued show-cause notices asking the companies to explain certain claims. No ban or final order has been reported.
Is Horlicks a health drink?
"Health drink" is not defined or standardised under the FSS Act, as FSSAI has said (Business Today, 2024). The notice is about specific claims on two Horlicks products.
Is "No Added Sugar" the same as sugar free?
No. As Outlook India explains, it refers to sugar not being added during manufacturing. It does not mean the product has no sugars or no sweetening ingredients.
What is a show-cause notice?
It is a formal request to a company to explain why action should not be taken against it. It is not a penalty.
Amaayu makes functional waters for everyday hydration. You can see the range on our products page.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
