Now Reading: Bollywood stars face FDA notices over pan masala ads
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Bollywood stars face FDA notices over pan masala ads
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff for allegedly promoting pan masala brands in violation of advertising regulations. The notices were sent by the FDA's Maharashtra unit, which is probing the actors for endorsing products that are banned from being advertised under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
According to the FDA, the actors appeared in advertisements for pan masala brands that contain tobacco or are similar to tobacco products, which contravenes the law prohibiting the promotion of such substances. The notices ask the actors to explain their involvement and provide details of their endorsement deals. The FDA has warned of legal action if the explanations are not satisfactory.
The development follows a complaint filed by an anti-tobacco activist, who alleged that the actors were promoting pan masala brands that are harmful to public health. The FDA is also investigating the companies behind the advertisements. The actors have been given a deadline to respond to the notices.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The FDA's action is based on COTPA, which bans any advertisement of cigarettes, tobacco products, and their substitutes. Pan masala, even if labeled as tobacco-free, often falls under this category if marketed as a mouth freshener with similar packaging. Celebrities endorsing such products can face fines and even imprisonment under the act. This is not the first time Bollywood stars have been in the spotlight for such ads, earlier, actors like Amitabh Bachchan have faced similar scrutiny. The key question is whether the FDA will impose penalties or merely issue warnings, setting a precedent for future endorsements. The next step would be the actors' replies, due within the stipulated time.
Source: gulfnews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
