Bournvita not a 'health drink', government gives instructions to e-commerce companies to remove it from health category

The Commerce and Industry Ministry on Saturday directed all e-commerce companies to remove beverages of many companies including Bournvita from the health drink section of their platforms.

According to the notification of the Ministry, NCPCR, a committee formed under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, has directed after its investigation that the definition of health drink has not been given clearly under the FSA Act. Therefore, all e-commerce companies and portals will have to remove all types of drinks and beverages including Bournvita from the health drink category.

Earlier this month, the government had taken strict action against the juices being sold in the name of health and energy drinks by e-commerce companies. The government had instructed e-commerce websites that they will not be able to sell all types of juices in the name of health and energy drinks. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had said that e-commerce companies should properly segment the food products sold on their websites. Customers get misled due to the product not being in the right segment. The sales of energy drinks are increasing at the rate of about 50 percent annually. Its increasing consumption among the youth is worrying. Many researches have revealed its serious effects on health. Therefore FSSAI has also become serious regarding these.

According to FSSAI, dairy based, grain based and malt based beverages coming under proprietary food license will not be sold on e-commerce websites in the name of health drink or energy drink. Companies will have to create a separate category for these. FSSAI has clarified that health drink has not been defined anywhere under the FSS Act 2006. Energy drinks can also be used only for carbonated and carbonated water based drinks. Proprietary foods are foods that are not within the scope of food safety and standard rules. With the help of this action, correct information about the products can be given to the customers.