The Indian Government has recently taken a strong step to ensure that consumers are not misled by marketing terms used for popular beverages. In a major devolvement, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed e-commerce platforms to remove the term ‘Health Drink’ from products like Cadbury Bournvita, Horlicks, and many more beverages. The decision has sparked discussions among consumers, brands, and health experts.
Let’s take a closer look at;
- What are the Issues?
- Why Did the Government Take This Step?
- Impact on Brands and E-Commerce Platforms
- The Biggest Picture: India’s Fight Against Misleading Advertisement
What are the Issues?
Many popular brands like Bournvita, Horlicks and Complan have been commonly marketed as ‘Health Drinks’ in India for decades. Most parents believe that these products are good for the growth and devolvement of their children. However, these beverages are often high in sugar and other additives and may not be as healthy as they appear.
The government has stepped into regulate the advertising and sale of these drinks. The word ‘Healthy’ should be removed from the instructions on these products to ensures that consumers are not misled into believing that these products are healthy or nutritious.
Why Did the Government Take This Step?
The decision to remove the ‘Health Drink’ tag from Bournvita and rest beverages is based on multiple factors:
- No Legal Definition: The terms ‘Health Drink’ has not been approved by the food regulator FSSAI. Since there is no clear definition, companies are using the terms freely without following any strict guidelines.
- High Sugar Content: Many drinks contain a lot of sugar, and consuming too much of this sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
- Consumer Awareness: Misleading advertisements leads people to believe that this beverage is important for children’s development. In fact, a balanced diets with natural foods like milk, fruits, and vegetables can provide better nutrition.
- Regulatory Compliance: The government wants to make sure food labels and advertisements are accurate and compliant with regulations. Take action to promote responsible business and transparency among consumers.
Impact on Brands and E-Commerce Platforms
The guidelines should change how these products are marketed and sold online. Here’s what happens next:
- Rebranding and Marketing Adjustments: Companies will need to adjust product descriptions, packaging, and marketing strategies to comply with new regulations.
- E-Commerce Compliance: Online platform like Amazon, Flipkart, etc. Product listings should be updated to remove misleading information.
- Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Brand might focus on research backed and real nutritional benefits rather than relying on board, unverified claims.
The Biggest Picture: India’s Fight Against Misleading Advertisement
This move is part of the Indian government’s broader efforts to control the spread of unlabelled food and beverages. For years, many products have been seen to influence people’s purchasing decisions by touting their health benefits. Regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Regulatory Authority (FSSAI) and the Advertising standards council of India (ASCI) are working to ensure greater transparency in the food sector.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s order to remove ‘health’ labels on soft drinks like Bournvita, Horlicks and Complan is a significant step towards increasing consumer awareness and market presence. By eliminating fake content, brands are being encouraged to focus on real value instead of marketing gimmicks. ‘Healthy Drink’ label in advertisements. E-commerce platforms have also started updating their product descriptions to comply with the rules. However, these drinks are still being sold, and consumers need to be informed about their choices by examining product labels and understanding the actual nutritional values. As food regulations tighten, businesses will become more transparent, ultimately leading to better choices for consumers. You can consume these drinks in moderation, but the important thing is that a balanced diet should come from whole foods, not just packaged foods.