The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) in Ghaziabad fined Noida’s M/s Vedas Cure Private Limited Rs 10,000 and ordered a refund of Rs 2,400 to a couple after ruling that the company made false claims about its Ayurvedic weight-loss product.
The couple suffered health issues such as headaches and increased blood pressure, with no weight loss benefits after using the product promoted as safe and effective. The case, filed in 2022, highlights issues of misleading advertising and risks in unregulated health supplements. Officials emphasised consumer protection and accountability. The company is mandated to comply or pay interest on delayed refunds.
Health Risks Amid False Advertising
Niraj Kumar Srivastava and his wife Surekha were influenced by social media claims promising rapid weight loss through Vedas Cure’s product. The product was unsealed and contained no transparent ingredient list.
Adverse effects impacted Surekha’s health despite completion of the course, contradicting claims of safety and efficacy. DCDRC president Praveen Kumar Jain stressed the critical need for honest marketing to safeguard consumers from harm and deception.
Regulatory Framework for Ayurvedic Products
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has established Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, which mandate strict compliance for Ayurvedic dietary products. These regulations prohibit claims that Ayurveda Aahara products prevent, treat, or cure diseases and require clear labelling such as the statutory warning “Only for Dietary Use.”
Manufacturers must follow formulation standards, avoid artificial additives, and ensure transparent ingredient disclosure to prevent misuse and misleading advertisements. An expert committee under the Ministry of Ayush oversees approvals and addresses quality and safety concerns.
Long-Term Health Risks of Unregulated Ayurvedic Weight-Loss Products
While Ayurvedic weight-loss products are widely perceived as natural and safe, unregulated or adulterated formulations can pose serious long-term health risks. Studies have reported that some Ayurvedic medicines contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic in amounts exceeding safe limits, potentially causing liver and kidney damage. Additionally, adulteration with steroids or other pharmaceutical drugs can lead to side effects such as hypertension, hormonal imbalances, and immune system suppression.
Consumers often remain unaware of these risks due to misleading marketing and lack of proper labelling. It underscores the necessity for rigorous quality checks, full disclosure of ingredients, and informed medical guidance before usage to prevent adverse health outcomes.
Expert Advice for Consumers
Consumers should be cautious of weight-loss and health supplements claiming quick results, especially those lacking clear ingredient information or regulatory approval. Consulting qualified healthcare professionals before starting any Ayurvedic or herbal product is advisable.
Awareness of labelling requirements and warnings can help consumers avoid products with false claims or potential health risks. Regulatory bodies recommend checking for authorized certifications and avoiding products marketed primarily through aggressive social media advertising without credible evidence.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case underscores the urgent call for transparent, regulated, and ethical health product marketing to protect consumers’ safety and trust. The Logical Indian advocates for robust consumer education, strict enforcement by authorities, and accountability from companies towards truthful information dissemination.
It is imperative to empower consumers with knowledge to make informed health choices free from misleading claims that jeopardise well-being.
