Patanjali comes under attack for 'misleading' mustard oil ads

The company's advertisement had claimed that kacchi ghani mustard oil of other brands are ‘adulterated’.

Edible oil industry body SEA is approaching food safety regulator FSSAI as well as advertising industry watchdog ASCI against yoga guru Ramdev promoted Patanjali alleging that its ads for mustard oil are ‘false and misleading’.

Stating that it doesn't ‘appreciate derogatory remark for other edible oils’, Solvent Extractors Association of India claims that Patanjali's advertisement of its 'kacchi ghani mustard oil' is ‘not in good taste’.

Patanjali, however, insisted that its present commercial was "based on facts, findings and research. We do not intend to mislead any one".

The company's advertisement had claimed that kacchi ghani mustard oil of other brands are ‘adulterated’.

SEA has taken exception to such claims.

"Recent advertisement on Kacchi Ghani Mustard oil published by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd is not in good taste.

“In this advertisement, there are misleading and false statements about the solvent extracted oils," Mumbai-based SEA said.

SEA has sent a detailed memorandum with documentary vidence to Patanjali drawing its attention and requested to withdraw the misleading statement made in the advertisement against solvent extracted oils, it said.

"Unfortunately, Patanjali continued the advertisement both in print and electronic media and therefore the Association has decided to approach Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as well as Advertising Standard Council of India to direct the Patanjali to withdraw the said advertisement with misleading facts," SEA added.      

The association also asked its members producing 'kacchi ghani mustard oil' to register their complain with FSSAI as well as ASCI on this issue.

When contacted, Patanjali Ayurved spokesman said, "Our present commercial is based on facts and research.

“We do not intend or mislead any one. We believe in educating the mass and promote quality products."

The company has been working in 'Kacchi Ghani mustard oil' from over four years.

The response of the consumer is very good and the people are now getting aware of the health benefit of the mustard oil, hence it is on the pace of fast growth, the official added.

Image: Baba Ramdev. Photograph: Reuters