Delhi HC Stays FSSAI Order Directing Dabur To Halt Sale Of Food Products Carrying '100%' Claims

The Delhi High Court on Friday granted interim relief to Dabur India Limited by staying a prohibition order issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had directed the company to immediately prohibit the sale of food products carrying claims such as "100% Pure", "100% Natural", "100% Purity Guaranteed", "100% Organic" and "100% Tender Coconut Water".

Justice Amit Mahajan passed the interim order on a writ petition filed by Dabur challenging the FSSAI's prohibition order.

The company contended that the impugned action had been taken in violation of the principles of natural justice, asserting that neither a show cause notice had been issued nor any opportunity of hearing had been afforded before the order was passed.

After considering the submissions, Justice Mahajan found that the petitioner had made out a prima facie case and stayed the operation of the impugned prohibition order. The matter has now been directed to be listed for further hearing on August 24.

The impugned order had directed Dabur to immediately prohibit the sale of identified food products as well as all other food products carrying misleading "100%" claims.

According to the prohibition order, the food regulator observed that food products being sold on the company's website were carrying claims including "100% Natural", "100% Pure", "100% Purity Guaranteed", "100% Organic" and "100% Tender Coconut Water".

It alleged that the use of such "100%" claims was in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018, stating that the claims were "ambiguous, unverifiable and likely to mislead consumers."

The regulator further alleged that Dabur Himalayan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Dabur Organic Honey were displaying the Jaivik Bharat logo without valid FSSAI organic endorsement, which, according to the prohibition order, was in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017.

The prohibition order also referred to Dabur Hommade Coconut Milk, stating that it was being marketed with the claim "100% Purity" and asserting that such a claim is not permissible for compound foods under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018.

FSSAI additionally recorded that despite an earlier notice directing discontinuation of the allegedly misleading "100%" claims, no satisfactory corrective action had been taken by the Food Business Operator (FBO).

On the basis of these findings, the regulator directed the company to immediately prohibit the sale of food products identified in the notice, including products such as honey, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sesame oil, cow ghee, coconut water and coconut milk, as well as all other food products carrying the impugned "100%" claims.

It also called upon the company to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.

Aggrieved by the prohibition order, Dabur approached the Delhi High Court by way of the present writ petition.

The company challenged the validity of the regulator's action primarily on the ground that the order had been passed without adhering to the principles of natural justice, contending that no show cause notice had preceded the prohibition order and that no opportunity of hearing had been granted before directing an immediate halt on the sale of the products.

Finding that the petitioner had made out a prima facie case at this stage, Justice Amit Mahajan stayed the operation of the FSSAI's prohibition order, thereby granting interim protection to Dabur pending further consideration of the matter. The petition is scheduled to be taken up next on August 24.

Case Title: Dabur India Limited v. Union of India and Ors.

Bench: Justice Amit Mahajan

Hearing Date: August 7, 2026

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