The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has requested Mondelez International India, the manufacturer of Bournvita, to remove all "misleading" advertisements, packaging, and labels on its product. According to the NCPCR, it received a complaint about Bournvita promoting itself as a health drink while containing a high percentage of sugar and substances that may harm children's health. The commission said that the product's labeling and packaging failed to acknowledge the correct information regarding its contents, adding that it also failed to display mandatory disclosures in line with the guidelines and regulations of FSSAI and the Consumer Protection Act.
The commission further said that the product did not adhere to rules regarding the display of the method of preparation and the number of portions to be served related to the health benefits claimed. It also said that the product had no disclaimer or warning about the harmful effect of consumption on children, violating the Consumer Protection Act 2019. The commission has given Mondelez International India seven days to respond to the letter and review and withdraw all misleading advertisements, packaging, and labels.
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Earlier this month, a social media influencer raised questions about the health benefits of Bournvita, claiming that the product contained high sugar content and could lead to diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Following a legal notice from the company, the influencer deleted the video and apologized on his Instagram handle, while his Twitter handle has been suspended. While the ingredients of Bournvita are mentioned on the product's back, the company said that the product is best consumed with a glass of 200 ml of hot or cold milk, and every serving of 20 gm of Bournvita has 7.5 gm of added sugar, which is much less than the daily recommended intake limits of sugar for children.