In re Pladis India Pvt. Ltd. (CCPA Delhi)
Summary: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), in its order dated 28.08.2026, considered allegations of misleading advertisement and unfair trade practice concerning Pladis India Pvt. Ltd. (formerly known as United Biscuits Pvt. Ltd.) and its sale of “McVities Whole Wheat Marie Biscuits”. The proceedings concerned the prominent use of the expression “Whole Wheat” on the product packaging despite the ingredient declaration stating that the product contained 19.5% whole wheat flour and 52% refined wheat flour (maida).
The matter came to the CCPA’s notice through a newspaper article referring to concerns raised over food products marketed as “healthy”, “natural” and “organic”. The CCPA thereafter took suo-moto cognizance and initiated a preliminary inquiry. It observed that the representation “Whole Wheat” appeared inconsistent with the composition disclosed in the ingredient list and could lead consumers to believe that they were purchasing a whole wheat-based product.
The Opposite Party contended, among other things, that “McVitie’s Wholewheat Marie” was a registered trademark, that use of the ingredient in branding did not mean that the biscuits contained 100% of that ingredient, and that a front-of-pack disclaimer stated: “This is only a trademark and does not represent its true nature”. It also relied upon Regulation 5(2)(g) of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, submitting that the ingoing percentage of whole wheat flour had been disclosed.
