Celebs, influencers have to provide disclaimers now while promoting health, wellness products

NEW DELHI: Now celebrities and influencers presenting themselves as "health experts or medical practitioners" need to provide "clear disclaimers" while making any health-related claims. Medical practitioners and health and fitness experts also now need to disclose details of their certification while promoting products or services or making any health-related claims.

The government on Thursday made this mandatory in its "Additional Influencer Guidelines for Health and Wellness Celebrities, Influencers and Virtual Influencers".

The consumer affairs ministry said the additional conditions have been developed after discussions with all stakeholders including health and Ayush ministries, and agencies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

As per the additional norms, celebrities and influencers presenting themselves as health experts or medical practitioners should "clearly distinguish between their personal views and professional advice" and "refrain from making specific health claims without substantiated facts".

The guidelines said they are obliged to include a disclaimer clarifying that their content should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical advice. "Simultaneously, endorsers must encourage their audience, during such promotions, to seek advice from health and wellness centres or healthcare professionals prior to making any significant alterations to their diet, exercise or medication routines," it said.

Sources said the provisions have been added to the 'Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements', which was published by the consumer affairs ministry in June 2022.

"This disclosure or disclaimer should be displayed during endorsements, promotions, or at any instance of making health-related assertions," it said.

However, exemption from these regulations are given to general wellness and health advices which are not associated with specific products or services or not targeting specific health conditions or outcomes, such as "drink water and stay hydrated", "exercise regularly and be physically active", "reduce sitting and screen time" and "use sunscreen daily to protect from harmful UV rays".