The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a directive to e-commerce companies, instructing them to remove beverages such as Bournvita from the category of ‘health drinks’ on their platforms. This advisory follows an investigation by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which found that Bournvita and similar products contain sugar levels exceeding acceptable limits.
“National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body constituted under Section (3) of the Commission of Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 after its inquiry under Section 14 of CRPC Act 2005 concluded that there is no ‘health drink’ defined under FSS Act 2006, rules and regulations submitted by FSSAI and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd,” the ministry said in a notification, dated April 10.
The NCPCR had previously urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take action against companies that failed to comply with safety standards and were marketing power supplements as ‘health drinks’. The FSSAI recently instructed e-commerce platforms against categorizing dairy-based or malt-based beverages as ‘health drinks’, emphasizing the absence of a defined category for such products in food laws.
The controversy surrounding Bournvita’s health implications gained attention after a YouTuber criticized the product in a video, highlighting excessive sugar, cocoa solids, and potentially harmful additives that could pose health risks, including cancer, particularly for children.
This advisory underscores the government’s efforts to ensure accurate product labeling and protect consumer health by regulating the categorization and marketing of dietary supplements.
