A recent controversy has arisen around Cadbury Bournvita, a popular health drink brand owned by Mondelez India, after a video criticizing its high sugar content went viral on social media. The video, created by an influencer who claims to be a nutritionist and health coach, was eventually taken down after the influencer was served a legal notice from the company. However, before it was removed, the video garnered 12 million views and continues to circulate on various social media platforms.
Bournvita has since released a statement rejecting the claims made in the video, calling them "unscientific" and accusing the influencer of distorting facts and making false and negative inferences. The company has also emphasized its commitment to quality standards and compliance with the law, stating that Bournvita has been scientifically formulated by a team of nutritionists and food scientists to offer the best of taste and health.
Despite this, the controversy has sparked a debate over whether Bournvita should be marketed as a health drink for children, given its high sugar content. Bournvita defends its product, stating that it has earned the trust of Indian consumers over the past seven decades and all necessary nutritional information is listed on the pack for consumers to make informed choices.
The company has taken legal action to avoid misinformation and to clarify the facts about its product. The legal notice was served after the video was shared by popular figures like actor-politician Paresh Rawal and former cricketer Kirti Azad. In the video, the influencer claimed that Bournvita has sugar, cocoa solids, and a cancer-causing colorant.
Bournvita has responded to these claims by stating that every serving of 20 gm of Bournvita has 7.5 grams of added sugar, which is approximately one and a half teaspoons, and is much less than the daily recommended intake limits of sugar for children. The company also defends the use of caramel colorant (150C), stating that it is within permissible limits as per guidelines defined by regulations.
Ultimately, Bournvita maintains that its product is safe and approved for use, and should be consumed with a glass of 200 ml of hot or cold milk as highlighted on the pack. While the controversy may have caused panic and anxiety among some consumers, Bournvita stands by its formulation and nutritional information, and urges consumers to make informed choices.
