Raghav Chadha Raises Concerns Over ‘Misleading’ Fruit Juice Marketing in Parliament
New Delhi, March 23, KNT: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Raghav Chadha has raised concerns in Parliament over what he described as misleading marketing practices by packaged fruit juice companies, alleging that consumers are being misled about the actual contents of such beverages.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Chadha said many popular brands were selling “sugar water” while promoting their products as fresh fruit-based drinks through attractive packaging.
The issue comes amid growing public health concerns over rising cases of diabetes and lifestyle-related diseases, particularly among children, with processed food and beverages increasingly under scrutiny.
Chadha said that while the front of juice cartons often displays images of fresh fruits, disclaimers on the back of the packaging indicate that such images are for “marketing purposes only.”
“You think you’re drinking fruit juice? Think again. Big food brands are selling sugar water with shiny ‘fresh fruit’ pictures on the front, while hiding the truth in fine print,” he said.
He added that such practices amount to misleading branding and false advertising, which could have serious health implications.
“Millions, especially children, are being pushed towards diabetes and lifestyle diseases due to these practices,” Chadha said.
The AAP leader called for stricter regulations and transparency in food labeling, urging authorities to ensure that consumers are clearly informed about the nutritional content of packaged beverages.
Public health experts have long cautioned against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, linking them to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
While there has been no immediate response from beverage manufacturers, industry representatives in the past have maintained that labeling practices comply with existing food safety regulations.
The debate reflects a broader global conversation on food labeling standards, advertising ethics and consumer awareness, with governments in several countries tightening norms around sugar content disclosures.
In India, regulatory oversight of food labeling falls under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which has periodically updated guidelines to improve transparency and consumer protection. [KNT]
