On X, entrepreneur Harsh Goenka posted a video that highlights some alarming disclosures regarding the business practices of food corporations. Podcaster Raj Shamani and Revant Himatsingka, also known as FoodPharmer, are featured in the video. The film reveals how food firms can mislead consumers through marketing strategies, or make dubious decisions that impact the cost and quality of the food we eat.
Labels like “healthy,” “natural,” or “organic” are sometimes misleading and are found on a lot of food goods. For example, even when a product is advertised as “low fat,” it may still include artificial additives or be rich in sugar. Customers may be misled by this tactic into believing they are choosing healthier options when in fact they are not.
Surprised at the revelations Goenka says “How our food companies are taking us for a ride! I was truly shocked by these revelations.” The video highlights several examples of deceptive marketing practices by food companies, illustrating how they mislead consumers about the contents of their products. For instance, in a packet of Goodday cashew almonds and cookies, the label claims the presence of almonds and cashews, but in reality, almonds make up only 1.4% and cashews just 0.4% of the pack. Similarly, a whole wheat biscuit pack lists 52% maida (refined flour) and only 19.5% whole wheat, meaning the biscuit contains more maida than whole wheat—defying its “whole wheat” branding.
The video also reveals that products marketed as containing herbs sometimes have misleadingly small quantities. For example, the pack mentions five herbs, but together they account for only 0.1% of the product. Even more shocking is the Hazelnut Choco Peanut Spread, which is marketed as containing hazelnuts but, in fact, contains no hazelnuts at all—just a flavor designed to imitate the taste of hazelnuts. Furthermore, a bottle of Fresh Tomato Ketchup carries a disclaimer stating that “this is only a brand name/trade mark and does not represent its true nature.”
Revant Himatsingka, known online as FoodPharmer, is recognized for his work in promoting consumer awareness regarding the health implications of food products. He critiques popular food items, often focusing on their ingredients, nutritional claims, and transparency. His commentary aims to educate the public about the true nutritional value of everyday food and push for greater clarity in food labeling and health marketing.
