No Licence To Promote Products Harmful To Public Health, says Tukaram

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said he shared President Droupadi Murmu's appeal to popular film artists not to endorse products harmful to people's health. 

Celebrities have a powerful influence on young minds and a true "star" should spread light, not darkness, Murmu said, addressing the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on Tuesday. 

"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 on X.

"When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought. In Maharashtra, we have already issued notices to artists for endorsements that raise concerns in the larger public interest," he said. No one is above the law, the FDA chief said. "Influence must never become a licence to promote what may harm public health. No commercial interest can take precedence over public health," Mundhe said.