Remove Bournvita from 'healthy drinks' section: Government to e-commerce websites
What's the story
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a directive to e-commerce platforms, instructing them to reclassify beverages like Bournvita. The order mandates the removal of such drinks from the "healthy drinks" category. This decision follows the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) finding that no "health drink" is defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act) 2006, rules and regulations as submitted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Mondelez India.
Inquiry findings
Using the wrong terms can confuse customers: FSSAI
As a result of this finding, "all e-commerce companies/portals are hereby advised to remove drink/beverages, including Bournvita from the category of "health drinks," the notification read. The FSSAI had earlier instructed e-commerce platforms not to label dairy, cereal, or malt-based beverages as "health drink" or "energy drink." The authority clarified that Indian food laws do not define "health drink," while "energy drinks" are essentially flavored water-based drinks. FSSAI also said that using the wrong terms can confuse customers.
Controversy
Bournvita controversy
The debate over Bournvita's 'unhealthy' nature began after a YouTuber criticized the powder supplement in a video, claiming that it had too much sugar, cocoa solids, and harmful colorants. In a deleted post, the influencer criticized the brand for "miscommunicating" the product's "nutritional value." He also ridiculed the claims made on the brand's packaging. Later, the NCPCR asked Mondelez India to withdraw all "misleading" ads, packaging, and labels for Bournvita.