Influence Is Not Immunity: Maharashtra FDA Chief Warns Celebrities Over Harmful Product Ads

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Wednesday backed President Droupadi Murmu’s appeal to film celebrities against endorsing products that could be harmful to public health, saying no commercial interest can take precedence over people’s well-being.

Mundhe said celebrities wield considerable influence, particularly over young people, and therefore have a responsibility to ensure that the products, behaviours and habits they promote do not adversely affect public health.

“Influence is not immunity. Artists, like everyone else, must respect the law and recognise the responsibility that comes with endorsing products, behaviours and habits that shape public choices,” Mundhe said in a post on X.

His remarks came a day after Murmu, while addressing the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, urged popular film artists to use their influence responsibly. She said celebrities have a powerful impact on young minds and that a true “star” should spread light rather than darkness.

Mundhe said the Maharashtra FDA had already taken action against artists over endorsements that raised concerns in the larger public interest.

“When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought,” he said, adding that no one is above the law.

“Influence must never become a licence to promote what may harm public health. No commercial interest can take precedence over public health,” the FDA commissioner said.

The Maharashtra FDA had on August 11 issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, alleging that their appearance in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement amounted to surrogate promotion of Vimal Pan Masala.

The FDA has maintained that Vimal Pan Masala is a product prohibited in Maharashtra. The notices to the actors formed part of the state food and drug regulator’s action concerning the promotion of such products.