Karnataka Milk Federation Denies Allegations; Police Invoke IT Act Provisions
Bengaluru: A city-based dermatologist has been booked by the Malleshwaram police for allegedly spreading misinformation about a popular dairy brand through social media posts. The case was registered on February 19 under provisions related to public mischief and the Information Technology Act.
The complaint pertains to videos and posts concerning Nandini milk and its allied products. Authorities allege that the doctor circulated unverified claims about the safety of certain dairy items, which reportedly led to public confusion and alarm.
According to a report by The Hindu, the dermatologist has been charged under Section 353(1), which deals with making or circulating false information that may cause public alarm or mischief, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.
In her posts, the doctor allegedly claimed that products such as Nandini cream buns, strawberry-flavoured powdered milk, and certain beverages contained toxic and harmful substances. She reportedly suggested that regular consumption of these items could trigger autoimmune diseases and, over time, even cancer.
The posts further alleged that the strawberry-flavoured milk powder did not contain natural strawberries but artificial colours and preservatives. She also questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had approved such products for sale.
Additionally, the doctor accused the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the government-owned cooperative that manufactures and markets Nandini products, of prioritising profit over public safety and selling items described as unsafe for consumption.
In response, the Karnataka Milk Federation strongly refuted the allegations through a press release issued on February 18. The federation termed the claims baseless and misleading, asserting that it strictly adheres to all statutory food safety standards and regulatory guidelines.
KMF assured consumers that Nandini milk and related products are safe for consumption and emphasised that the posts had created unnecessary confusion among millions of customers who have trusted the brand for decades. Police investigations into the matter are currently underway.
