In a suit contesting the classification of Patanjali’s dental care product, “Divya Dant Manjan,” as vegetarian despite containing non-vegetarian components, the Delhi High Court requested the Center’s response on August 30, 2024. Attorney Yatin Sharma filed the petition, claiming that the product—which is labeled as vegetarian with a “green dot”—actually contains “samudraphen,” or sepia officinalis, a material made from fish extract.
Notifications were sent to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Divya Pharmacy, Patanjali Ayurveda, the Center, and other parties concerned by Justice Sanjeev Narula. The petition argues that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which requires honest portrayal of products, especially those eaten for health grounds, is violated by misbranding the product as vegetarian.
The product’s incorrect labeling is the main source of concern. A medication does not need to be labeled as vegetarian or non-vegetarian according to existing laws. The green dot, a symbol representing vegetarian food, suggests that the product is free of animal derivatives, which leads to a contradiction. The petitioner’s attorney claimed that this misbranding is misleading and deceptive, particularly to customers who rigorously follow vegetarian diets for moral or religious reasons.
Under the counsel of lawyers Swapnil Chaudhary and Prashant Gupta, the petitioner conveyed his dismay at having unintentionally consumed a non-vegetarian product. Given their steadfast adherence to a vegetarian diet due to their religious convictions, this has given rise to serious worry. The petition also draws attention to a failure on the part of regulatory bodies to address this problem and guarantee labeling rules are followed.
The petitioner highlights the need for more openness in product labeling and asks for compensation for the mental and moral pain this deception has caused. In November, the court is anticipated to take a closer look at the case. This case emphasizes how crucial correct labeling and consumer protection are to guaranteeing that products live up to their marketed claims, especially for people who follow stringent dietary guidelines.
SOURCE :
THE ECONOMICS TIMES
