India’s food safety regulator has intensified its monitoring of consumer complaints on social media, issuing notices to several leading food brands and food business operators over allegations related to product contamination and hygiene standards.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it has taken cognisance of complaints that gained traction online and has sought explanations from Nestlé India, KFC, Flipkart and food brand Open Secret. The notices stem from three separate incidents that were widely discussed on social media platforms.
FSSAI Seeks Response From Nestlé Over Maggi Complaint
One of the notices was issued to Nestlé India after allegations surfaced online claiming that insects or larvae were found inside a packet of Maggi noodles.
The food regulator has asked the company to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR), including vendor information, internal quality-check records for the specific batch, details of corrective measures undertaken to remove any affected products from the supply chain, and preventive steps being implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Following reports of the regulatory notice, shares of Nestlé India fell more than 3%.
Responding to the allegations, Nestlé India rejected the claims and maintained that there was no verified evidence supporting the complaint.
“We categorically reject the allegations circulating in media based on an unverified account regarding the presence of infestation allegedly in Maggi noodles. We are yet to receive the complaint sample from the complainant as the account is unreachable. A detailed representation, supported by all relevant facts, quality records from batch and market samples, and test reports, has already been submitted to the competent authorities,” the company said in a statement.
KFC Outlet In Andhra Pradesh Under Scanner
In a separate case, FSSAI issued a notice to a KFC outlet located at MVR Mall in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, following allegations that the restaurant was operating under unhygienic conditions.
The regulator has sought details regarding hygiene and sanitation standards at the outlet, including food handling practices, storage procedures, waste disposal systems, pest-control measures and employee hygiene protocols. Authorities have also requested documentary evidence showing corrective and preventive measures undertaken by the operator.
KFC franchise operator Devyani International said it would investigate the allegations and respond to the regulator.
“We will conduct an investigation in respect of allegations in the notice and make our representation to FSSAI,” the company said.
Meanwhile, Sapphire Foods clarified that the outlet mentioned in the notice is operated by Devyani International and not by its network.
Open Secret And Flipkart Receive Notice Over Insect Allegation
The third notice relates to allegations that Open Secret’s “Un-junked Dates” product, ordered through Flipkart Minutes, contained insects.
FSSAI has sought details of internal quality-control procedures, records of inspections conducted for the product, actions taken to remove potentially affected stock from the supply chain and measures aimed at preventing similar complaints in the future.
The regulator has also asked for information regarding the handling and distribution process associated with the product.
Social Media Complaints Face Greater Regulatory Scrutiny
The latest actions indicate a growing shift in the regulator’s approach towards food safety monitoring. Rather than relying solely on formal consumer complaints submitted through traditional channels, authorities appear to be increasingly tracking viral posts and consumer grievances shared on social media platforms.
Where food safety concerns gain significant public attention, FSSAI is now initiating preliminary inquiries and seeking explanations directly from companies and food business operators.
However, the regulator clarified that the notices are part of a fact-finding exercise and do not establish any wrongdoing by the companies involved.
The businesses have been directed to submit detailed responses along with supporting documents before any further regulatory action is considered.
The development comes amid a broader push by FSSAI to strengthen food safety compliance across the country. Recently, the regulator also launched enforcement action against the use of newspapers for food packaging following inspections at several food establishments.
As scrutiny of food safety standards intensifies, companies are likely to face greater pressure to demonstrate robust quality-control systems and respond quickly to consumer complaints, particularly those that gain widespread visibility online.