Feb 9, 2012
Health ministry pulls up food, pharma companies for tall claims in advertisements
A marketing officer with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country's apex food regulatory body under the health ministry, told that the body has had enough of companies who violated the prescribed advertising codes and has begun initiating action against the violators.
“A number of reputed food product manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies are making tall claims about their products in their advertisements. This is tantamount to taking consumers for a ride, and will not be tolerated anymore,” Dr Jitendra P Dongare, FSSAI's marketing officer, said.
He added that these were the findings of a survey conducted by the FSSAI. “The promoters of the products found contravening the advertising codes have been issued showcause notices to justify their claims,” he said.
“If they fail to back their claims with scientific proof within the two-week notice period given to them, stringent action will be taken against them. This will also send a strong message to others,” Dongare warned.
The FSSAI has advised people not to take any advertisement on its face value and to check the label on every product they intend to purchase. After all, nobody would like to compromise on his health.
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