3 weeks ago
Delhi High Court Stays FSSAI Ban on Dabur '100%' Claims
A big food company called Dabur had a disagreement with the government food safety office in India, called FSSAI.
The food safety office said Dabur could no longer sell some foods with '100%' written on them, like '100% Pure' honey or '100% Organic' coconut water.
They said these words might confuse people who buy the food.
Dabur went to a big court called the Delhi High Court to complain.
The judge, Justice Amit Mahajan, said the food safety office made a mistake by not asking Dabur for its side of the story first.
So the court told the food safety office to pause its order for now.
That means Dabur can keep selling those products while the case continues.
The judge said Dabur gave a good reason to stop the ban.
The court will hear the case again in about two weeks.
For now, the products stay on the shelves.
The Delhi High Court stayed the FSSAI order directing Dabur India to halt sales of food products carrying '100%' claims.
Justice Amit Mahajan held that Dabur had established a prima facie case and that the prohibition should not have been issued without a hearing.
FSSAI had flagged claims such as '100% Natural', '100% Pure', '100% Purity Guaranteed', '100% Organic' and '100% Tender Coconut Water'.
The regulator said the claims were ambiguous, unverifiable and likely to mislead consumers under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
The court posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks, granting interim relief to the FMCG major.
- Who
- Dabur India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and Justice Amit Mahajan of the Delhi High Court
- What
- The Delhi High Court stayed FSSAI's order directing Dabur to stop selling food products carrying '100%' claims
- Where
- Delhi High Court, India
- When
- On Friday, after FSSAI issued its direction earlier that week
- Why
- Dabur argued the order was issued without a show-cause notice or hearing, and the court found a prima facie case in its favour
Consumer Protection
Corporate Due Process
'100%' product claims
Consumer Protection
FSSAI says claims like '100% Natural' and '100% Purity Guaranteed' are ambiguous, unverifiable and likely to mislead consumers, violating advertising and claims regulations.
Corporate Due Process
Dabur contends the blanket prohibition was issued without a show-cause notice or opportunity to present its case, violating natural justice principles.
Regulatory enforcement method
Consumer Protection
FSSAI acted immediately to halt sales it considered potentially deceptive, prioritizing consumer protection.
Corporate Due Process
Dabur argues the prohibitory order should not have been passed without a hearing, a position the Delhi High Court found prima facie valid.
Key facts
- Company
- Dabur India
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Presiding Judge
- Justice Amit Mahajan
- Claims flagged
- '100% Natural', '100% Pure', '100% Purity Guaranteed', '100% Organic', '100% Tender Coconut Water'
- Products affected
- Honey, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, cow ghee, coconut water, coconut milk
- Regulations cited
- Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018
- Next hearing
- After two weeks
Quotes
Justice Amit Mahajan
Judge of the Delhi High Court
“Justice Amit Mahajan held that Dabur had established a prima facie case and observed that the prohibitory order should not have been passed without giving the company an opportunity to be heard.”
financialexpress.com
Dabur spokesperson
Representative of Dabur India
“In its petition, Dabur argued that the FSSAI had issued the prohibition order without serving a show‑cause notice or providing the company an opportunity to present its case, making the action contrary to the principles of natural justice.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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