New Delhi: The Ministry of Commerce has issued a directive to e-commerce platforms, urging them to remove Bournvita and similar beverages from the category of “health drinks.” This move comes after the ministry highlighted the absence of a specific “health drink” category defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act 2006).
Citing the findings of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Ministry clarified that there is no official definition for “health drinks” within the framework of the FSS Act 2006, as corroborated by submissions from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd.
This decision follows previous scrutiny faced by Bournvita over its elevated sugar levels and controversial health claims. The NCPCR intervened after concerns were raised about misleading advertisements promoting the beverage’s supposed health benefits, despite its high sugar content. The commission demanded clarity from Mondelez India regarding these claims, highlighting the potential impact on children’s health.
As a result, the Ministry’s recent directive underscores the need for e-commerce platforms to reclassify Bournvita and similar products, aligning with regulatory standards and consumer protection measures.
