The Malleshwaram police registered a case on February 19 against a dermatologist for allegedly spreading misinformation about Nandini products online.

The Malleshwaram police registered a case on February 19 against a dermatologist for allegedly spreading misinformation about Nandini milk and dairy products through social media posts.

Based on the complaint, the police charged Dr. Sharanya Padma (MBBS, MD – Dermatology) under 353(1) (making, publishing, or circulating false information, rumours, or reports via any medium, including electronics. It aims to prevent public mischief, such as inciting mutiny, causing fear or alarm to the public, or promoting hatred between groups) and various sections of the IT act.

According to the complaint, the accused reportedly claimed on videos that products such as Nandini cream buns, strawberry-flavoured powdered milk, and certain beverages contain toxic and harmful substances. She allegedly stated that regular consumption of these products could lead to autoimmune diseases and, in the long term, even cancer. The posts also 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 granted approval for such products.

The complainant further alleged that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), a government-owned cooperative, was manufacturing and marketing such products for profit, and described them as unsafe for consumption.

KMF, in a press release dated February 18 strongly refuted the allegations, terming them baseless and misleading. The federation clarified that it strictly adheres to all food safety standards and regulations prescribed by statutory authorities, including FSSAI, and assured consumers that Nandini milk and milk products are completely safe for consumption.

KMF stated that the social media posts had caused unnecessary confusion among millions of consumers who have trusted the Nandini brand for decades.