Bengaluru dermatologist booked over alleged misinformation on Nandini dairy products

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based dermatologist has been booked for allegedly spreading misinformation about a well-known dairy product brand through social media posts, initiating police action under provisions related to public mischief and the Information Technology Act.

The Malleshwaram police registered a case on February 19 against the practising dermatologist over videos and posts concerning Nandini milk and its allied products. The complaint alleges that the doctor circulated claims about the safety of certain dairy items, leading to public confusion.

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According to a report by The Hindu, the dermatologist has been charged under Section 353(1), which pertains to making or circulating false information that could cause public alarm or mischief, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. The complaint states that in her videos, she claimed that products such as Nandini cream buns, strawberry-flavoured powdered milk, and certain beverages contained toxic and harmful substances.

The posts reportedly suggested that regular consumption of these products could trigger autoimmune diseases and, over time, even cancer. She further claimed that the strawberry-flavoured milk powder did not contain natural strawberries but artificial colours and preservatives, and questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had approved such products.

The doctor further alleged that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), a government-owned cooperative that manufactures and markets Nandini products, was prioritising profit over safety and selling items described as unsafe for public consumption. 

In response, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) strongly denied all the allegations through a press release issued on February 18. The federation termed the claims baseless and misleading, stating that it strictly follows all food safety standards and regulations prescribed by statutory authorities, including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It assured consumers that Nandini milk and related products are safe for consumption and said that the posts had created unnecessary confusion among millions who have trusted the brand for decades.

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