Ministry of Commerce advises removal of Bournvita and similar drinks from ‘health drink’ category due to lack of definition under FSS Act 2006.
In a recent development, Cadbury’s Bournvita finds itself at the center of controversy yet again, as the Ministry of Commerce issues an advisory urging e-commerce platforms to rethink the classification of beverages like Bournvita as ‘health drinks’. Here’s a breakdown of the events leading to this latest twist.
1. Ministry’s Advisory:
- The Ministry of Commerce’s latest advisory targets the labeling of products as ‘health drinks’ on e-commerce platforms.
- Following an inquiry by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), it was found that there’s no clear definition of ‘health drinks’ under the FSS Act 2006.
2. Bournvita Controversy Recap:
- Last year, Bournvita faced scrutiny after an Instagram reel raised questions about its health claims.
- Influencer Revant Himatsingka highlighted the high sugar content in Bournvita, leading to legal action from Mondelez.
- NCPCR also demanded the withdrawal of misleading advertisements and packaging from Cadbury.
3. Bournvita’s Response:
- Mondelez India defended Bournvita, stating that its formulation is scientifically crafted and meets regulatory standards.
- The company clarified that each serving contains 7.5 grams of added sugar, which is within recommended limits for children.
- In response to public concern, Bournvita reduced its sugar content by approximately 15%.
Implications and Future Actions:
- The controversy surrounding Bournvita underscores the importance of transparency in food labeling and consumer awareness.
- E-commerce platforms are expected to comply with the Ministry’s advisory, reevaluating how they categorize products like Bournvita.
- This episode serves as a reminder for both consumers and producers to critically examine health claims and nutritional information.
InShorts: As Bournvita navigates yet another bout of controversy, the broader conversation around health claims in the food industry gains momentum. Transparency, regulatory compliance, and consumer education emerge as key factors in shaping the future of the sector.
