Fit for influence

Stricter guidelines for health and wellness products are needed

The recent controversy between Mondelez subsidiary Cadbury and well-known social media influencer Revant Himatsingka over his criticisms of some ingredients in Bournvita has brought centre stage the emerging issues over the role of influencers in the burgeoning health and wellness market. In this case, a legal notice from a big food corporation prompted Mr Himatsingka to take down the video. It is possible that his claims about Bournvita may be worth an investigation by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. But the larger question of an influencer’s qualifications to comment on a health and wellness product — whether