The Vital Question Of Quality Tests
In today’s world, food adulteration and contamination have seeped into almost every item we consume—pesticides in our fruits and vegetables, toxic contaminants in spices, and questionable purity in milk and milk products. With so much uncertainty surrounding our daily food, you’d hope that at least the vitamins, supplements, and medications we consume are held to a high standard.
Unfortunately, the recent report from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) might shake that belief.
In September, CDSCO released a report identifying 49 pharmaceutical products that failed to meet quality standards out of a batch of 3,000 sampled drugs. Even seemingly harmless supplements, like Calcium 500 mg and Vitamin D3 tablets, manufactured by Life Max Cancer Laboratories, didn’t make the grade. Yes, those basic go-to supplements that many of us consume for better bone health are among the ones that didn’t pass muster.
What’s concerning is the breadth of these findings.
This time, CDSCO not only flagged quality concerns but also identified four drugs manufactured by non-existent companies as spurious. This further underlines the complexity of quality control, as it’s not only about failing standards but also about fake products slipping into the supply chain.
A Small Percentage, But Is It Enough?
CDSCO Chief Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi emphasized that only around 1% of all drugs tested failed quality benchmarks, a figure that suggests strict monitoring is doing its job. But in a market with millions of consumers, even a small percentage is enough to raise alarm, particularly when the products flagged include everyday essentials.
Among the products that fell short were Metronidazole tablets from Hindustan Antibiotics, a common antibiotic used to treat infections; Domperidone tablets from Rainbow Life Sciences, often prescribed for nausea; and Oxytocin injections by Pushkar Pharma, which are used in labor management.
Other familiar names on the list include Metformin from Swiss Biotech Parentarels (a widely used diabetes medication), PAN 40 from Alkem Labs (a staple in many anti-acid regimens), and even Paracetamol tablets from Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a household name for pain relief and fever management.
But it didn’t stop there. The flagged items extended beyond pharmaceuticals, including Gauze Roll Non-Sterile Roller Bandage and Diclofenac Sodium tablets, highlighting that even medical accessories and seemingly basic drugs can fall short of expected quality standards.
Are We Heading Toward a Trust Crisis?
What do we do when the very supplements we take for health turn out to be questionable in quality? For many consumers, it creates a trust crisis in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. While stringent quality checks by organizations like CDSCO play a critical role in catching these issues, it’s unsettling to know that some products make it to the shelves despite these efforts.
The Silver Lining, A Step Towards Accountability
It’s worth noting that monthly vigilance by the CDSCO is a positive step, especially given the complexity of the pharmaceutical market in India. The regular screening and public reporting of substandard products are efforts that hold manufacturers accountable, helping consumers make informed choices. As authorities take these proactive measures, they reinforce the importance of safety and quality control.
Adding Fuel to the Fire of Quality Tests
Alongside the concerns over failing drug standards, the food industry—especially Indian spices—also found itself in a whirlwind of controversy over adulteration in previous months.
Once revered for their purity and therapeutic qualities, spices from MDH and Everest were recalled in Hong Kong and Singapore for containing ethylene oxide, a pesticide that can cause cancer.
Ethylene oxide is a flammable gas that is used as a fumigant to prevent microbial contamination in spices. It is also used in the production of other chemicals, textiles, detergents, and medicine. The government of India asked the companies to take corrective measures and ordered state governments to test spices for quality.
In the US, an analysis of MDH spice shipments found that 14.5% were rejected due to bacteria.
In 2014, a biochemistry expert found lead in the food coloring used in MDH spices.
This rampant adulteration is more than just an ethical lapse; it poses serious health risks to millions of consumers both in India and globally.
Thus these allegations of adulteration in Indian spices go beyond aesthetic manipulation.
Other samples have tested positive for toxic substances like lead chromate in turmeric, which can cause neurological issues, and artificial colors in chili powder, which have been linked to digestive problems and allergic reactions. Even staple ingredients like cumin have been found to contain sawdust and other fillers to boost weight. With India being a global spice supplier, these findings cast a shadow on the nation’s culinary exports and the reliability of everyday household ingredients.
Baba Ramdev and the Power of Exaggeration
Enter Baba Ramdev, the yoga guru and co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved, a company that claims to sell “pure” and “natural” products.
Ramdev has been vocal about the health benefits of his products, often with bold claims that many feel verge on exaggeration. His statements, for instance, have included sweeping assertions that Patanjali’s products can cure everything from diabetes to cancer—claims that lack scientific validation and have drawn sharp criticism from the medical community and consumer watchdogs.
For Instance, The Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a case against Patanjali in 2022 after the company ran ads claiming that their products could cure a range of conditions, including diabetes, thyroid, and macular degeneration.
The Supreme Court ruled that the ads were “deliberate and wilful violations” of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954. The court ordered the company to stop making such claims, but Ramdev continued to promote the products.
During the pandemic, Patanjali ran ads claiming that their products could cure COVID-19. The Supreme Court initiated contempt proceedings against Patanjali and Ramdev for these ads.
Now let us cast a glance at the manufacturing practices
Some experts say that Patanjali products are dubious because of the company’s poor manufacturing practices.
In 2006, there was controversy over claims that animal and human DNA was found in some Patanjali medicines. The Union Health Ministry confirmed that the DNA was present
The Intersection of Public Trust and Consumer Rights
As both drug and food safety concerns rise, it’s crucial to recognize that consumers should be protected from false claims and adulteration. If supplements fail quality tests, if basic foods are found contaminated, and if even so-called “natural” brands exaggerate their claims, who can consumers trust?
In an environment where vigilance is the last line of defense, it’s clear that tighter regulations, transparent labeling, and responsible advertising are essential. Only then can consumers make choices that are genuinely good for their health and not just good for the company’s bottom line.
So, What’s Next for Consumers?
In light of these findings, consumers need to become more aware of what they’re putting in their bodies. Here are some practical steps –
Verify Sources: Stick to well-reviewed brands and, if possible, check recent quality reports released by bodies like the CDSCO.
Consult Professionals: Always seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals before taking any supplement.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on monthly reports and be vigilant about new quality alerts in the pharmaceutical market.
The journey toward consistently safe and reliable pharmaceuticals is far from over. But as consumers, healthcare providers, and regulators continue to push for accountability, the hope remains that someday, what we take for our health will genuinely be held to the highest standards possible
