Make sure no drink is marketed as a “health drink”: NCPCR
NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has written to the department of consumer affairs of all states and Union Territories, recommending that “no drink, beverages including Bournvita and other similar products should be sold under the category of health drink in stores/shops,” pointing out that the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 made no mention of “health drink.”
In a letter to the ministry of trade and industry, NCPCR chairman Priyank Kanoongo also suggested that orders be given to all e-commerce businesses to remove drinks and beverages that fall under the category of health drinks from their websites.
By March 23rd, the commission had requested an action taken report.
Reports about “some health-related powder drinks claiming to be energy drinks containing a high percentage of sugar and other harmful content for the health of children, i.e., Bournvita, an energy drink for children,” NCPCR said, have come to its attention.
Notices have been sent by NCPCR to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd, the company that makes Bournvita. In response, the Food Safety and Standard Act of 2006 does not define the term “health drink,” according to the FSSAI.
