Centre Orders Removal of Bournvita from ‘Health Drinks’ Category

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a directive to e-commerce companies, instructing them to remove all beverages, including Bournvita, from the category of ‘health drinks’ on their platforms.

According to a notification dated April 10, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) conducted an inquiry under the Commission of Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, and found no definition of ‘health drink’ under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. The investigation revealed that Bournvita, manufactured by Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd, contained sugar levels exceeding acceptable limits.

The NCPCR had previously urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take action against companies that misrepresented power supplements as ‘health drinks’ and failed to meet safety standards.

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The FSSAI, in response, instructed e-commerce platforms to refrain from labelling dairy-based or malt-based beverages as ‘health drinks’, as such labelling violates food regulations.

The controversy surrounding the alleged health risks of Bournvita escalated after a YouTuber criticized the product in a video, highlighting excessive sugar content, cocoa solids, and harmful colorants. These claims suggested potential health hazards for children, including cancer.