New Delhi: The National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked Mondelez India International, makers of Bournvita, to withdraw ‘misleading’ advertisements and labels.
The national child rights body has written to the manufacturer demanding a reply on allegations that the popular chocolate-flavoured powder contains harmful substances, reported NDTV.
A social media influencer recently claimed that ingredients of Bournvita include sugar, cocoa solids and a cancer-causing colorant.
Revant Himatsingka, a nutritionist and health coach, deleted the video after Mondelez India served him legal notice, because he didn’t have the resources for a legal fight. But the clip had triggered massive backlash by then as worried parents raised questions on Bournvita, which is consumed by millions in India, most of them children.
“With regard to this product, it has been brought to the notice of the Commission that your product contains high percentage of sugar and contents/substances/mixtures/formula which may case harmful impact to the health of children,” NCPCR stated in its notice addressed to Mondelez International (India) president Deepak Iyer.
NCPCR pointed out that Bournvita “fails to display mandatory disclosures in line with the guidelines and regulation of Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) and under the Consumer Protection Act.”
Mondelez India has been asked to respond within a week.
Rejecting Himatsingka’s allegations about Bournvita, Mondelez India had said the video was “unscientific distorted facts and made false and negative inferences.”
We would again like to reinforce that the formulation has been scientifically crafted by a team of nutritionists and food scientists to offer the best of taste and health. All our claims are verified and transparent and all ingredients have regulatory approvals. All the necessary nutritional information is mentioned on the pack for consumers to make informed choices,” a Bournvita spokesperson reiterated.
NCPCR’s notice has again pushed the company to the backfoot.
