In a disturbing development, Patanjali Ayurved, the renowned Ayurvedic brand headed by Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, has come under legal scrutiny. Allegations have surfaced that its popular herbal tooth powder, Patanjali Divya Dant Manjan, contains non-vegetarian ingredients despite being prominently marketed as a vegetarian product. This controversy has raised alarm bells among consumers, particularly those who strictly adhere to plant-based diet like vegan and/or vegetarian diets due to religious and ethical beliefs.
Allegations and Legal Action on Patanjali Divya Dant Manjan
The controversy erupted after a petition was filed in the Delhi High Court by advocate Yatin Sharma, who alleges that Divya Dant Manjan is misleadingly packaged. The product features a green dot on its packaging, a symbol widely recognized in India as an indicator of vegetarian products. However, the ingredient list reveals the presence of Sepia officinalis, a substance derived from cuttlefish bone, which is non-vegetarian.
The petitioner and their family, long-time users of Divya Dant Manjan, were devastated to learn that they had been unknowingly consuming a non-vegetarian ingredient. This revelation is particularly distressing for those from Brahmin backgrounds, where consuming non-vegetarian substances is strictly against their religious beliefs.
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Court Proceedings and Patanjali’s Response
On August 30, 2024, the Delhi High Court issued notices to Baba Ramdev, Patanjali Ayurved, and Divya Pharmacy, the manufacturer of ‘Divya Dant Manjan.’ The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 28 to consider the serious allegations of misbranding and potential violations of consumer rights.
The plea also highlights a YouTube video in which Baba Ramdev allegedly admits that ‘Samudraphen’ (Sepia officinalis) used in the tooth powder is an animal-based product. This admission has further fueled concerns about the transparency and accuracy of Patanjali’s product labeling.
So, Does Divya Dant Manjan Patanjali Tooth Powder Really Contain Non-Veg Ingredient: What’s the Truth?
If you are using Patanjali dant manjan, you can simple check the back label, if you are not you can check Patanjali website link selling Divya Dant Manjan. In ingredients you can see ‘Samudraphen’ (Sepia officinalis). Now Sepia officinalis is nothing but cuttlefish that looks like this.
Yes, this non-veg ingredient has always been there. It is just that the consumers never noticed or maybe few did. (A quick check on Amazon, and there are reviews from 2023 that have mentioned about it being non-veg.)
However, on the website, nowhere did we see that Patanjali claimed the product as vegetarian nor did it warn about having a Non-veg ingredient
Previous Controversies and Compliance Issues
This is not the first time Patanjali has faced legal challenges over its product claims. The Supreme Court previously criticized the brand for engaging in deceptive advertising practices, ordering them to remove misleading advertisements and issue a public apology. The current allegations add to growing concerns about Patanjali’s adherence to regulatory standards and the integrity of its marketing practices.
Importance of Reading the Back Label
At HealthViews Online, we have always emphasized the importance of reading the back label of any product, especially those that claim to be vegetarian or vegan. This incident serves as a stark reminder of why it is crucial to verify the ingredients of the products we consume. The green dot on the packaging should not be the sole determinant of a product’s vegetarian status—consumers must scrutinize the list of ingredients to ensure that it aligns with their dietary and religious beliefs.
Also Read: Top 25 Misleading Food Label Claims in India: A Comprehensive Guide
Consumer Awareness and Legal Implications
As this case of Patanjali Divya Dant Manjan moves forward, it highlights the need for consumers to be more cautious and for stricter rules on product labeling. The court’s decision could have a big impact on how products are labeled in India, helping to ensure that consumers can trust what’s on the package.
For anyone who depends on vegetarian or plant-based products, or just wants to make informed choices, this incident is a strong reminder to always check product labels carefully. At HealthViews Online, we’re dedicated to giving you the information you need to make safe and smart choices about your health.
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