Sep 7, 2012

FDA notice to radio channel for 'misleading' advt.


NAGPUR: The city branch of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has sent a notice to a radio channel saying that an advertisement aired by them violated the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA). The advertisement for a brand of vegetable oil claimed that the product reduced the cholesterol levels of the consumer which the authorities say is a misleading statement.
The provisions of the Act enable the FDA to act against any manufacturer making tall claims about products. The said notice has asked the advertisers to provide copies of the agreement and communication between the channel and the manufacturer to establish who is at fault. "The advertisement is under Section 24 of the Act that prevents misleading information being relayed through media. This is not the first notice we have sent to a media house. At least six have been sent so far," said Sanjay Naragude, assistant commissioner (food).
Though enacted in 2006, the Act has been implemented since 2011. This Act has been opposed by manufacturers and traders. Under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act 1955 that preceded it, surveillance was not very strong, say the authorities. Officials of the channel said the claims have not been made by them and they only relayed the information provided to them by the manufacturers.

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