The Commerce Ministry directs e-commerce firms to exclude drinks like Bournvita from the “healthy drinks” section.
The Commerce Ministry directs e-commerce firms to exclude drinks like Bournvita from the “healthy drinks” section.
Moneycontrol Report
As Per Moneycontrol, the Commerce Ministry instructs e-commerce sites to exclude all beverages, including Bournvita, from the ‘healthy drinks’ category.
NCPCR stated that no “health drink” is defined under the FSS Act 2006, rules, and regulations as provided by FSSAl & Mondelez India.
As per Moneycontrol’s report, a ministry notification on April 10 mentioned: “After inquiry, NCPCR found no defined ‘health drink’ under FSS Act 2006, rules, as submitted by FSSAl and Mondelez India.”
The notification also advises e-commerce platforms to remove drinks, including Bournvita, from the ‘health drinks’ category. Earlier, FSSAI instructed proper categorization of food products on websites, urging against labeling dairy, cereal, or malt-based beverages as ‘health’ or ‘energy’ drinks. FSSAI noted the absence of a clear definition for ‘health drink’ in Indian food laws, and clarified that ‘energy drinks’ are merely flavored water-based beverages. It stressed the potential misleading impact of misused terminology on consumers and directed websites to rectify or remove such advertisements.
India Today Report
India Today reported that FSSAI, in a statement, explained, “Proprietary foods utilize standardized ingredients but are not regulated under food safety and standards regulations.”
The statutory body added that the aim of this corrective action is to enhance clarity and transparency regarding product characteristics and functionalities. It ensures consumers can make informed decisions without encountering misleading information.
What did Priyank Kanoongo write?
NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo wrote to commerce ministry, FSSAI, and Consumer Affairs departments of state governments and Union Territories, urging beverages, like Bournvita, not to be categorized as ‘health drinks’.
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