Patanjali Tooth Powder Allegedly Contains Fish Extract Despite Vegetarian Label; Ramdev Faces Legal Trouble

A recent petition has raised concerns over Patanjali’s herbal tooth powder, ‘Divya Manjan’, which is marketed as a vegetarian product. The petitioner, represented by advocate Yatin Sharma, alleges that despite the product’s packaging displaying a green dot symbolizing vegetarian content, the ingredient list reveals the presence of ‘samudraphen’ (Sepia officinalis), a substance derived from fish extract.

The plea, filed in the Delhi High Court, argues that this discrepancy constitutes misbranding and violates the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The petitioner, who has used the product for an extended period, claims that the discovery of non-vegetarian ingredients is particularly troubling due to their religious beliefs, which prohibit the consumption of such products.

Sharma also pointed out that Baba Ramdev, co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved, allegedly admitted in a YouTube video that ‘samudraphen’ is indeed an animal-based ingredient used in ‘Divya Manjan’. Despite multiple complaints to authorities like the Delhi Police, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and FSSAI, the petitioner asserts that no action has been taken.

The petition seeks judicial intervention to address the alleged mislabelling and demands accountability from Patanjali Ayurved and its founders. The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Patanjali, Baba Ramdev, the Central government, and Divya Pharmacy, with the next hearing scheduled for November 28.

This is not the first time Patanjali has faced legal scrutiny; the Supreme Court had previously reprimanded the company for deceptive advertising and ordered the removal of misleading promotions of their ayurvedic products.