Bournvita & FoodPharmer: Here's all you need to know

Influencer FoodPharmer has deleted his reel highlighting Bournvita’s sugar content after allegedly receiving a ‘legal notice’ from Cadbury. Here's what went down.

After reportedly receiving a legal notice from Cadbury Bournvita, Revant Himatsingka - a Health Coach and Nutritionist, aka Foodpharmer, has taken his post down and posted a public apology. The alleged video spoke about the sugar content in Bournvita and the caramel color which is carcinogenic in nature.

Himatsingka had also commented on the claims made by Bournvita on its packaging. The reel, now deleted, gathered 12 million views and triggered conversations in social media.

In a statement shared on Instagram on April 14, Himatsingka later apologised to Bournvita. He wrote, "I apologise to Cadbury for making the video. I did not plan or intend to infringe any trademark or defame any company nor do I have the interest or resources to participate in any court cases and I request MNCs to not take this forward legally."

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A post shared by Revant Himatsingka (@foodpharmer)

Reacting to the allegations, Bournvita issued a statement on April 09 saying that the product is “a scientifically designed formula made with ingredients that are approved for use, and all our ingredients are declared on the pack."

“Bournvita has enjoyed the love and trust of Indian consumers for more than seven decades. Bournvita contains nutrients namely Vitamin A, C, D, Iron, Zinc, Copper and Selenium which help build immunity,” read its statement.

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A post shared by Cadbury Bournvita (@cadburybournvita)

This comes at a time when the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been mulling over its decision to start front-of-pack labeling where brands would be required to include a cautionary warning regarding the amount of salt, sugar and fat in the product to allow consumers to make a more informed choice.

Also read: Expert Speak: Summer Marketing 2023 – High on spends, celebrity campaigns & product innovations

The recent controversy has also sparked a discussion on Twitter about the need for transparency in advertising and how other categories need to follow front-of-pack labeling.

I thought everyone knew about Bournvita - clearly no.

Now look up your favourite Chawanprash.

Many have more than 2/3rd sugar and come with a warning - “Not to be consumed by Diabetic patients”.

Not naming them because I don’t want my account to be banned.

— Ravi Handa (@ravihanda) April 15, 2023

After #bournvita video now a costly cocoa based food #nutella
Why is everyone using so much sugar along with palm oil ⁉️⁉️
Most unhealthy food and yet sells like hot cake on all super markets..
Parents and Children need to be educated about this 👇 https://t.co/qxOzCMThOz

— Anoop Mundhra (@anoopmundhra) April 9, 2023