Vimal Elaichi ads under FDA scrutiny: Here are hidden health risks of seemingly harmless mouth fresheners

The FDA has issued warnings on Vimal Elaichi advertisements, highlighting potential health risks associated with seemingly innocuous mouth fresheners. Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya, a senior endocrinologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, explains that the real issue lies not in the cardamom itself, but in additives like sugar, sweeteners, flavorings, and colors, as well as the inclusion of carcinogenic areca nut.

He emphasizes that repeated exposure to such products can lead to normalized unhealthy behaviors, especially among children and adolescents.

The concern goes beyond tobacco-free or tobacco-substitute claims, as smokeless tobacco products carry risks like oral submucous fibrosis and various forms of cancer. Moreover, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and dental problems. The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, with an even lower limit of 5% providing additional health benefits.

A key issue is the behavioral aspect of consuming sugary drinks, which can be done quickly and repeatedly without the individual fully registering it as food. This habit can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and increase the risk of obesity-related conditions, particularly in young people. The FDA's notices to actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff question how these individuals can defend advertisements they believe are harmless, given the potential health risks outlined by the FDA and medical experts.