Bournvita Controversy: Influencer Reveals High Level of Added Sugar

Revant Himatsingka posted a video that reveals the high level of added sugar in Bournvita. The video got 1.2 crore views & was appreciated by many celebrities.

Cadbury sent a legal notice to an influencer for his Instagram Reel that called out the company for advertising dubious health benefits of Bournvita. However, this action has only given the controversy surrounding Bournvita more attention. 

Many food experts, NGOs, doctors, and the media have joined the debate, amplifying the message that Bournvita may be a potential health hazard.

Bournvita has a high level of added sugar. According to the label, each serving contains 7.5 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to one and a half teaspoons. For young children, this amounts to a quarter of their daily quota of sugar, which is not ideal.

Consumer companies have a track record of prioritizing profit over the health interests of their customers.

Nestlé, for instance, admitted that more than 60 percent of its mainstream food and drinks products did not meet the recognized definition of health.

If Cadbury were to conduct a similar introspection, it would come up with the same if not worse numbers.

Consumer companies use hard-sell marketing, advertising, and even medical testimonials to sell their products.

Cigarette companies, for instance, convinced smokers in the 1950s and 60s that cigarettes were not just cool, they were calming too.

Cola companies also claimed that their sugared soda was not altogether unhealthy. Bournvita’s advertisement claims that it benefits children’s brains and brawn. However, these claims often turn out to be false.

There is a growing trend away from processed and synthetic foods. Across the world, moves are being made to define “health foods” more stringently and not leave it to the discretion of companies. 

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority has laid down strict norms for front-of-the-pack disclosures. Consumer companies must sense this shift and start planning accordingly.

The government has not yet gotten involved in the Bournvita controversy, but food and beverage companies should be wary. 

The Maggi moment, when the government banned Maggi noodles for containing high levels of lead, could happen to any company that puts profit before health.

A silenced influencer may end up awakening consumers to the dangers lurking behind many a benevolent food label.