Now Reading: Delhi HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur’s ‘100%’ claims
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Delhi HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur’s ‘100%’ claims
The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) order that barred Dabur India from selling products carrying '100%' purity and natural claims. Justice Amit…
The Story in Brief
The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) order that barred Dabur India from selling products carrying '100%' purity and natural claims. Justice Amit Mahajan said the regulator acted without giving the company a hearing, violating natural justice. Dabur argued that the FSSAI lacked authority to issue such a ban and that no emergency existed. The Centre defended the order, saying Dabur's claims were misleading. The court noted Dabur had sold these products for decades and granted interim relief. Products affected include honey, cow ghee, apple cider vinegar, and coconut water. The next hearing is on August 24.
The FSSAI had directed Dabur to withdraw foods labelled '100% Natural', '100% Pure', and '100% Organic', saying they were misleading. Dabur contended that the FSSAI had not alleged the products were unsafe or substandard, only that labels were questionable. The company also noted that many other players use similar claims. The court stayed the order until further notice.
The Indian Opinion
This case pits consumer protection against procedural fairness. The FSSAI was right to question blanket '100%' claims on processed foods, but bypassing a hearing invites legal defeat. Dabur's argument that the regulator singled it out while others use the same language has force. The real test will come on August 24: can FSSAI show its ban was not arbitrary, or will the court demand uniform enforcement across the industry?
Sources (3): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, thehindu.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
