Delhi High Court seeks FSSAI reply in Fortune oil labelling case

Fortune Soya Health Refined Soyabean Oil is at the centre of a Delhi High Court petition challenging FSSAI action concerning two packaging claims: “100% Veg” and “Cholesterol Free – For Healthy Lifestyle”.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notices to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI, seeking their replies within four weeks. The matter is listed for November 5.

AWL Agri Business Ltd told the court that FSSAI issued it a show-cause notice on July 17, alleging breaches of the 2018 Advertising and Claims Regulations and the 2020 Labelling and Display Regulations. According to the company, FSSAI also wrote to food safety commissioners in States and Union Territories that day, directing them to ensure that products found non-compliant were not manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold.

The company said the communication effectively placed its oil in that category. It said distributors reported visits by food safety officers in August, while retailers declined fresh orders and distributors sought returns of existing stock.

The authorities argued that the dispute did not arise in Delhi because the company is based in Gujarat and its product is made and marketed outside the Capital. The court said the principal actions being challenged were taken by FSSAI authorities in Delhi, bringing the petition within its jurisdiction.