Horlicks loses 'health drink' tag after govt directive on classification

This change comes after a directive from the Minister of Commerce and Industry, directing e-commerce platforms to exclude drinks and beverages from the 'healthy drinks' classification.

In a press briefing held on April 24, HUL's Chief Financial Officer, Ritesh Tiwari, underscored that this announcement aims to offer a more precise and transparent description of the category, reported India Today.

According to HUL, the 'functional nutritional drinks' category aims to address the community's protein and micronutrient deficiency needs, the report said.

The regulatory scrutiny arises from the absence of a clear definition of 'health drinks' under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

These changes occurred following concerns about the high sugar content in beverages like Bournvita and Horlicks. Cadbury's Bournvita, a popular malted drink similar to Horlicks, faced scrutiny for its high sugar levels, brought to light by a social media influencer known as Food Pharmer.

Later, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) launched an inquiry with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), leading to the government's directive to e-commerce platforms.