Govt takes action against food manufactures for misleading ads

In a written reply, Minister of State for Health A H K Choudhary said the alleged misguiding claims in the advertisements for 38 food items were monitored by Food Safety Standards and Authority of India (FSSAI).

"So far 38 food items had been identified with misleading claims. Manufacturer of these articles were served with show-cause notices and their replies were examined at FSSAI by a three-member committee. As per recommendations of the committee, prosecutions have been launched in 19 cases by Designated Officers at regional level," he said.

On a querry over sale of soft drinks in hospitals, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that his Ministry has not issued any directive in this regard.

"Since health is a state subject, it is up to the state governments to take decision in this regard," he said.

Replying to a question on misuse of correction fluids and nail paint removers, Azad said the states have been requested to take action for enforcement of necessary measures by sensitising the industries producing these products.

On the amount spent for conducting research and development by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the Ministry said that Rs 5.21 crore had been spent for the purpose from 2009 till date.

Replying to a question on Child Mortality Rate in the country, Choudhary said India ranks 49 in the under five mortality rate as per UNICEF Progress Report 2012. (MORE)