Police Invoke IT Act, Public Mischief Provisions After Dairy Brand Flags Misinformation
Bengaluru: A city-based dermatologist has been booked by the police for allegedly spreading misinformation about products of the popular dairy brand Nandini through social media posts. The case was registered following a complaint that the posts created public alarm and confusion regarding the safety of the products.
The Malleshwaram Police Station registered the FIR on February 19 under provisions related to public mischief and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Authorities stated that the action was initiated after examining videos and online content shared by the doctor.
According to the complaint, the dermatologist made claims about the safety of certain dairy items marketed under the Nandini brand. She allegedly stated in her videos that products such as cream buns, strawberry-flavoured powdered milk, and some beverages contained toxic or harmful substances.
Police have invoked Section 353(1), which deals with circulating false information that may cause public alarm or mischief. The complaint further alleged that the posts suggested regular consumption of these products could trigger autoimmune diseases and, over time, even cancer.
In her videos, the doctor reportedly questioned whether the strawberry-flavoured milk powder contained real strawberries, alleging instead that it included artificial colours and preservatives. She also raised concerns over how such products received approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The posts additionally accused the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the government-owned cooperative that manufactures and markets Nandini products, of prioritising profits over public health. She allegedly described some of the products as unsafe for consumption.
In response, KMF issued a press release on February 18 strongly denying the allegations. The federation termed the claims baseless and misleading, asserting that it strictly adheres to all food safety regulations and statutory standards.
KMF further reassured consumers that Nandini milk and allied products are safe for consumption and fully compliant with guidelines prescribed by regulatory authorities. It stated that the viral posts had caused unnecessary confusion among millions of consumers who have trusted the brand for decades.
