Online platforms to exclude Bournvita from health drinks category: Strict instructions issued

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has directed e-commerce companies to exclude all drinks including Bournvita from the category of 'health drinks'. It is suggested to remove this type of description from e-commerce platforms and sites.

In a statement, the Center released a statement saying that there is no beverage under the health drinks category as defined in the FSS Act, 2006 and as per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. On April 2, the FSSAI had asked all e-commerce companies to clearly segregate food products sold on their websites. This is followed by action.

FSSAI has found that many food products licensed under the name of 'proprietary food' are being sold on e-commerce websites under the name of health drink and energy drink.

The statement said that the action is aimed at increasing clarity and transparency regarding the nature and features of the products, and to enable consumers to choose the right products without misleading information.