Dabur has approached the Delhi High Court challenging an FSSAI order restricting its use of “100 per cent” claims on several food products, alleging violation of natural justice.
Dabur Challenges FSSAI Prohibition Order
Dabur India has moved the Delhi High Court against an order issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directing the company to stop selling several food products carrying claims such as “100 per cent natural”, “100 per cent pure” and “100 per cent organic”.
The regulatory action covers a range of Dabur products, including honey, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, cow ghee, coconut water and coconut milk.
FSSAI Objects to ‘100 Per Cent’ Claims
The food safety regulator has taken the position that such absolute claims may be ambiguous, difficult to verify and potentially misleading for consumers.
Following its action, FSSAI directed Dabur to immediately discontinue the sale of products carrying the disputed claims.
The company was also asked to submit an action-taken report to the regulator within 15 days.
Dabur Alleges Violation of Natural Justice
Dabur has challenged the order on the ground that the regulator acted without following the principles of natural justice.
According to the company, FSSAI did not issue a prior show-cause notice or provide it with an adequate opportunity to present its case before issuing the prohibition order.
The company has therefore questioned the procedure followed by the regulator in taking action against its products.
Dispute Concerns Consumer-Facing Claims
The case centres on whether terms such as “100 per cent natural”, “100 per cent pure” and “100 per cent organic” can be used on food products and what standards should govern such claims.
The regulatory concern is that consumers may interpret absolute claims as guarantees regarding the complete nature, purity or composition of a product.
The proceedings could therefore have wider implications for food and consumer-product companies using similar marketing descriptions.
Delhi High Court to Examine Regulatory Action
The Delhi High Court will now consider Dabur’s challenge to the FSSAI order and the company’s contention that the prohibition was issued without providing an opportunity to be heard.
The case is likely to raise questions concerning the regulator’s powers, food labelling standards and the procedural safeguards that must be followed before restrictive action is taken against a manufacturer.
Potential Impact on Food Industry
The dispute could become significant for companies that use absolute or premium quality claims in the marketing of packaged food products.
A judicial examination of the issue may provide greater clarity on the permissible use of terms such as “natural”, “pure” and “organic”, particularly when accompanied by claims of complete or absolute purity.
The proceedings may also clarify how food safety authorities should balance consumer protection with procedural fairness when taking enforcement action.
Key Takeaways
- Dabur has challenged an FSSAI prohibition order before the Delhi High Court.
- The dispute concerns “100 per cent” claims on several food products.
- FSSAI considers such claims potentially ambiguous and misleading.
- Dabur alleges that it was not given a prior hearing before the order.
- The case raises questions about food labelling and regulatory procedure.
- The outcome could affect similar claims used across the packaged food industry.
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- Supreme Court Examines Regulatory Restrictions Affecting Businesses
Court: Delhi High Court
Petitioner: Dabur India
Respondent: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Issue: FSSAI prohibition on “100 per cent” claims
Dabur, FSSAI, Delhi High Court, Food Labelling, Consumer Protection, Natural Justice, Food Safety
