In a recent development, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued an advisory to e-commerce platforms to remove Bournvita and similar drinks from the ‘health drinks’ category. The move comes after concerns were raised about the high sugar levels in Bournvita, prompting calls for stricter regulations on labeling and classification of such products.
Well, it seems that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights discovered that there is no clear definition of what constitutes a ‘health drink’ in India’s food laws. During an investigation, it was found that Bournvita contained sugar levels above the acceptable limits. This led the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to caution against labeling dairy-based or malt-based beverages as ‘health drinks.’
The controversy surrounding Bournvita’s health claims gained traction after a YouTuber pointed out its high sugar content, cocoa solids, and potentially harmful colorants. The NCPCR emphasized the absence of a defined “health drink” category under the FSS Act 2006.
As a result, both the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and FSSAI have directed against categorizing certain beverages, like dairy, cereal, or malt-based ones, as ‘health drinks’ or ‘energy drinks.’ Interestingly, under Indian food laws, ‘energy drinks’ are deemed as flavored water-based beverages.
In light of these developments, the NCPCR chief has urged companies not to market beverages, including Bournvita, under the ‘health drink’ label. This whole situation has highlighted the ambiguity and lack of regulation when it comes to classifying health drinks in India.