Health claims about food and supplements should be assessed in light of the product’s legal category, the claims permitted for it, and supporting evidence. A marketing message is not reliable medical proof that a product can treat a disease.
Understand the law and process
Food, nutraceuticals, medicines and other health products may fall into different regulatory categories. Merely displaying a registration number does not make every disease-cure claim permissible. A before-and-after photo, a presenter who appears to be a doctor, or a consumer testimonial in an advertisement may also form part of the claim. If a required disclaimer contradicts the main message, a small disclaimer does not automatically fix the problem. The complainant should keep the product label, batch number and exact version of the advertisement. If you have suffered harm to your health, seek medical care first; a legal complaint can then be pursued with supporting evidence.
In detail: What factors can affect the outcome?
Check whether the claim is limited to general nutritional support or promises to cure a specific disease, stop medication, or achieve a definite result. A regulatory complaint and an individual claim for a refund or compensation may follow different routes. You do not need to publicly disclose unnecessary details about your illness in a complaint; provide medical records securely to the appropriate authority or adviser.
What should you do?
- Check the product category, label and relevant regulatory details.
- Save the complete advertisement and ask the seller for the basis of the claim and the refund rules.
- Provide the facts through an appropriate FSSAI complaint channel or to another relevant regulator, and through consumer grievance channels.
Which documents should you keep?
Keep the label, batch details, invoice, advertisement, date of use and any necessary medical records.
Hypothetical example
A powder was described as a dietary supplement, but a reel claimed it could eliminate diabetes. The customer’s complaint should show both the category stated on the package and the treatment claim in the reel; the product’s name alone will not be sufficient.
Does an approved licence permit every advertising claim?
No. A licence, the product category and the validity of a specific health claim are separate issues.
Sources and related rules
- FSSAI Advertising and Claims Regulations compendium
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 — complaints, unfair trade practices and remedies
- Consumer Affairs: Endorsement Know-Hows
Editorial review: October 26, 2026. This is general legal information. The outcome may vary depending on the facts of the case, applicable state law and subsequent amendments.