
The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed an FSSAI directive that barred Dabur India from selling products like honey and ghee with '100%' claims. Justice Amit Mahajan observed that the order was passed without giving the company a hearing, noting Dabur had sold these items for decades. The court listed the matter for hearing after two weeks.

Dabur argued the FSSAI violated principles of natural justice by not issuing a show-cause notice first. The regulator countered that '100%' claims are ambiguous and misleading under the 2018 Advertising and Claims Regulations. The court declined the government's request to deny interim relief.

The FSSAI's rush to issue a prohibition order without a prior hearing has fuelled claims of regulatory overreach. Exaggerated narratives on either side ignore a simpler truth: this is a procedural lapse, not a verdict on Dabur's claims. The real test will come when the court examines if '100%' on single-ingredient products is inherently misleading or just a common marketing phrase. Until then, both sides should let the law run its course.
Sources (4): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, thehindu.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com, rediff.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
Ashin Xavier: interesting
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