Govt. should act on FMCG rms using ‘misleading’ ads: SC
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Centre should “activate itself” against Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies if they employ “misleading advertisements” about their products to target credulous consumers, especially families with babies and schoolchildren.
“The misleading advertisements of FMCGs take the public for a ride, particularly families, aecting their health. The issue concerns even the health of babies and schoolchildren,” Justice Hima Kohli, heading a Bench with Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, observed.
The court voiced its concern amid recent reports alleging higher sugar content in Nestle’s baby food products sold in India as well as in African and Latin American countries. The Union Consumer Aairs Ministry has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate the allegations against the leading FMCG. “If these advertisements target babies and children, if that is happening, the Union has to activate itself,” Justice Kohli underscored.
On Monday, the court widened the scope of the case and decided to implead the Ministries of Consumer Aairs and Information and Broadcasting as parties in the case. The AYUSH Ministry is already represented in the case. Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj appeared for the Union government.
Justice Kohli asked whether the Centre was