Maharashtra FDA Confiscates Patanjali and Other Medicines for Misleading Claims

The Maharashtra FDA seized Ayurvedic and allopathy medicines worth Rs 73 lakh due to misleading advertisements, including products by Patanjali. Raids were conducted in several regions, targeting violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. Commissioner Mundhe vows continued action against misleading health claims.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines valued at Rs 73.24 lakh. Among these were products from Divya Pharmacy, marketed under the Patanjali brand, targeted for objectionable and misleading ads.

Conducting raids across Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the FDA acted under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act. The campaign follows orders from FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, focusing on removing ads claiming miracle cures through Ayurvedic treatments.

Divya Pharmacy products were notably a key focus in various divisions, with seizures including Rs 14.68 lakh in Pune and Rs 18.58 lakh in Konkan. Commissioner Mundhe emphasized public safety by urging the avoidance of misleading medicinal claims and self-medication risks.

Future steps include a dedicated mobile app and a toll-free line for reporting suspicious advertisements and sales, ensuring swift legal action on verified complaints.