The Delhi High Court has provided temporary relief to ITC in the Aashirvaad Atta case. The dispute started after FSSAI questioned the product’s 100% atta claim.
FSSAI recently cancelled ITC’s licence after raising concerns over the claim. Following the action, ITC approached the Delhi High Court against the decision.
The matter comes amid FSSAI actions against several online platforms, restaurants, and FMCG companies. The authority has taken steps regarding various claims and product-related issues.
FSSAI questioned Aashirvaad Atta claim
The case involves ITC’s Aashirvaad Atta product, which carries a claim of being 100% atta. Recently, FSSAI issued a new advisory regarding such claims.
After the advisory, FSSAI sent a notice to ITC. The authority asked the company to modify package labels, advertisements, and website information.
However, the Delhi High Court has currently protected ITC from immediate action. The court directed FSSAI not to cancel the company’s licence at this stage.
The next hearing in the matter will take place on September 9.
ITC challenges FSSAI notices in court
ITC challenged the show-cause notice issued on August 10 and the improvement notice dated August 13.
The company argued that FSSAI’s new advisory regarding 100% claims falls outside existing legal provisions. ITC also stated that the advisory does not require mandatory compliance.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma’s court issued a notice to FSSAI. The court will now hear the regulator’s response to ITC’s arguments.
Licence cancellation action remains paused
For now, the court has asked FSSAI not to cancel ITC’s licence based on the advisory. Therefore, ITC does not face immediate licence cancellation until the next hearing.
The September 9 hearing will clarify the legal position of FSSAI’s new policy. It will also determine possible changes required from ITC regarding 100% claims
