A big update has come out regarding the popular drink ‘Bournvita’ sold in the name of nutrition and physical development of children in India. After the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took a tough stance on misleading advertisements and packaging labels, Bournvita manufacturer Mondelez India has withdrawn several major health claims and nutrient-comparison claims related to its product. Along with this, the company has also completely removed misleading advertisements related to e-commerce platforms and online retail mediums.
FSSAI recently conducted an in-depth investigation of the country’s leading Food Business Operators (FBOs), which found that many companies were making claims about their products that were not scientifically proven or misled consumers. On the advertisements and packaging of Bournvita, claims were being made regarding comparison of nutrients and the immunity and mental-physical development of children. The regulatory body considered this a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and issued a notice to the company. Following the notice, the company took immediate corrective action and decided to withdraw these claims and advertisements.
This is not the first time that questions have been raised on the nutritional quality of Bournvita. Earlier, there was a widespread debate on social media and by health experts regarding the high level of added sugar present in Bournvita. Pediatricians and nutritionists have expressed concern that children are being given too much sugar in the name of healthy drinks, which increases the risk of childhood obesity, tooth decay and insulin resistance. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and FSSAI had also earlier directed all e-commerce companies to remove Bournvita and other beverages from the category of ‘health drinks’ or ‘energy drinks’ as there is no official definition of ‘health drinks’ under Indian food laws.
This action on Bournvita is part of a larger nationwide campaign by FSSAI. The food regulator has issued notices to over 150 major food companies over misleading marketing, wrong labeling and exaggerated claims like ‘100% pure’. These include big companies like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Abbott, Red Bull, Danone and Amway. The regulator has made it clear that no such claim can be made on any product which deceives the consumer or promises misleading health benefits.
Pediatricians and nutritionists believe that parents should read the nutrition facts labels of packaged beverages carefully instead of blindly trusting them.
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Check for added sugar: Be sure to check the quantity of refined sugar or maltodextrin per 100 grams of the product.
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Give priority to natural nutrition: Plain lukewarm milk, homemade almond powder, roasted gram, seasonal fruits, green vegetables, boiled eggs and pulses are the safest and best sources for the physical development of children.
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Avoid exaggeration in advertisements: Any packaged powder does not increase the height or memory of children overnight, for this a balanced diet and regular sports is necessary.