NEW DELHI: A total of 630 cases were registered for investigation and 69 prosecutions were launched in the year 2010-2011 and 2011–2012 relating to misleading advertisements.

According to the State Drugs Control Authorities, 57 food items have been identified with misleading claims through print and electronic media under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act.

Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told Parliament that manufacturers of these articles have been served with show-cause notices. Prosecution has been launched in 19 cases by Designated Officers at their regional levels.

The misleading advertisements relating to drugs and magic remedies are taken care of by the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules made thereunder.

State Governments are responsible for taking action under the Act. Advertisements relating to food articles fall under the Food Safety Standards & Authority of India (FSSAI) which monitors labels on various food items and claims advertised for food items by different companies in print and electronic media.

The complaints received from stakeholders are analysed and show-cause notices issued by the FSSAI to the manufacturers. Their replies are examined by a Committee constituted for this purpose by the Authority. As per recommendations of this Committee, actions including prosecution are initiated by Designated Officers at their regional levels.