The Delhi High Court will hear the petition filed against Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Patanjali, and Divya Pharmacy alleging that their herbal tooth powder, Divya Dant Manjan, contains non-vegetarian ingredients despite being labeled as vegetarian. The court has issued notices to accused.

The petition, filed by advocate Yatin Sharma, highlights that the product's packaging features a green dot, indicating a vegetarian product, but the ingredient list includes Sepia officinalis, derived from cuttlefish bone.

The court has scheduled the case for hearing on November 28 and has issued notices to the Centre, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Patanjali, Divya Pharmacy, Baba Ramdev, and other related parties. 

What does the petition say?

The petition argues that the product's marketing as a vegetarian and plant-based Ayurvedic product has caused distress to the petitioner and their family, who have been using it for a long time due to their religious beliefs.

The petition seeks judicial intervention to address the alleged lapse in production and promotion, stressing the need for transparency and adherence to religious beliefs. 

It also mentions a YouTube video where Baba Ramdev admits that "Samudra fen" used in the product is animal-based, despite the product being marketed as vegetarian. The petitioner demands redressal for the distress caused by unintentionally consuming a non-vegetarian product.

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Sepia officinalis mentioned as one of the ingredients of Divya Dant Manjan
Sepia officinalis mentioned as one of the ingredients of Divya Dant Manjan

What is Sepia officinalis?

Sepia officinalis, commonly known as the common cuttlefish, is a species of cephalopod mollusk found in the Mediterranean Sea and along the coastlines of Europe and northern Africa. 

It's recognized for its distinctive, wide, and somewhat flattened body, large eyes, and eight arms, along with two longer feeding tentacles.

Cuttlefish are known for their advanced camouflage abilities, thanks to specialized skin cells called chromatophores and iridophores, which allow them to change color and texture to blend into their surroundings. 

They are also highly intelligent and have complex behaviors and learning abilities.

In addition to their biological and ecological importance, cuttlefish have historical and practical uses. Their internal shell, known as cuttlebone, is used in various applications such as a calcium supplement for birds and as a polishing material.