Government Implements Stricter Guidelines for Transparent Health Product Endorse

1. Government Implements Stricter Guidelines for Transparent Health Product Endorsements by Influencers and Celebrities #Health Product Companies in India, #Health Product Manufacturer in India In a significant move toward ensuring transparency and accountability in the promotion of health products, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has recently introduced stringent guidelines. These guidelines, part of the “Additional Influencer Guidelines for Health and Wellness Celebrities, Influencers, and Virtual Influencers,” set clear expectations for influencers and celebrities when endorsing health-related products. Under these new regulations, public figures presenting themselves as health experts or medical advisors are now obligated to provide clear explanations whenever they discuss health-related products. This requirement extends not only to influencers but also to medical professionals and

2. fitness experts who must disclose their certifications when endorsing products or offering health advice. The guidelines emphasize the importance of influencers separating their personal opinions from professional guidance. Additionally, influencers are explicitly instructed not to make health claims without proper evidence to support their statements. This is a significant step toward ensuring that the information shared by influencers is credible and rooted in evidence-based practices. A crucial aspect of these guidelines is the introduction of a mandatory statement to be included by influencers. This statement must make it explicitly clear that the content being shared is not a substitute for professional medical advice. During product promotions, influencers are encouraged to motivate their audience to consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their diet, exercise, or medication routines. These guidelines have been developed following extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including health ministries, Ayush ministries, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). They complement the existing ‘Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements,’ originally published by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in June 2022. It’s crucial to note that these regulations do not apply to general wellness and health advice that is not linked to specific products or services, and not targeted toward particular health issues or outcomes. Advice such as “stay hydrated by drinking water” or “use sunscreen to protect from UV rays” remains exempt from these regulations. By enforcing these guidelines, the government aims to instill honesty and accountability in health product promotions, ensuring that influencers and celebrities prioritize the well-being of their audience by providing information that is both reliable and transparent. #Health Product Companies in India, #Health Product Manufacturer in India