Bengaluru Dermatologist Charged for Alleged Misinformation About Nandini Dairy Products

A Bengaluru dermatologist has been booked by local police for allegedly disseminating misinformation about Nandini, a prominent dairy brand operated by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), through social media posts that claimed the products could cause serious health issues.

The case, registered at Malleshwaram police station, comes after the dermatologist allegedly posted content suggesting Nandini milk products might trigger autoimmune diseases and cancer. According to police sources, the doctor’s posts also questioned whether the products had received proper approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

KMF officials filed a formal complaint that prompted the investigation. The federation, which produces the Nandini range of milk and dairy products, is one of Karnataka’s largest cooperative institutions and serves as a vital economic pillar for the state’s rural dairy farmers. Nandini products are consumed daily by millions across the state, making allegations about their safety particularly sensitive.

“The posts appear designed to damage the reputation of a trusted brand that supports thousands of dairy farmers across our state,” said a KMF representative who requested anonymity. “Such unsubstantiated claims can cause panic among consumers and severely impact farmer livelihoods.”

The police have invoked provisions of the Information Technology Act, which addresses the publication of false or misleading information in electronic form. Legal experts note that while the case touches on free speech concerns, there are limitations when public health misinformation is involved.

“Medical professionals carry significant influence when making health-related claims,” said Ramesh Patel, a Bengaluru-based legal expert specializing in cyberlaw. “The law recognizes this responsibility, particularly when statements can potentially cause public alarm or economic damage without scientific backing.”

The case highlights the growing tension between social media expression and professional responsibility in the digital age. Medical professionals face increasing scrutiny over health claims made online, where statements can rapidly reach thousands of people before any verification process takes place.

India’s dairy industry, valued at approximately Rs 13 lakh crore, forms a crucial part of the country’s agricultural economy. Karnataka’s dairy sector alone supports over 2.5 million families, with KMF processing nearly 9 million liters of milk daily. Any disruption to consumer confidence can have cascading effects on this extensive supply chain.

Food safety experts have emphasized that India’s dairy products undergo rigorous testing and must comply with FSSAI standards before reaching consumers. Dr. Sunita Narain, a public health expert, commented on the broader issue without addressing this specific case: “While it’s important to maintain vigilance over food safety, claims about widely consumed products should be based on peer-reviewed research and proper testing protocols.”

The Karnataka Medical Council has not yet issued a statement regarding the case or any potential professional ethics considerations. Neither has the Indian Medical Association’s regional chapter commented on the implications for medical professionals making public health claims.

The dermatologist in question has not released any public statement since the case was registered. Social media platforms where the alleged posts appeared have not commented on their content moderation policies regarding health misinformation.

If convicted under the relevant sections of the IT Act, penalties can include imprisonment for up to three years and fines. The case is currently under investigation, with authorities collecting digital evidence related to the posts in question.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of growing concern about health misinformation on social media platforms, with regulatory bodies worldwide grappling with how to balance free speech with public health protection. India’s Ministry of Health has previously issued advisories cautioning medical professionals about making unverified health claims on social platforms.

Local consumer groups have called for responsible communication about food safety concerns through appropriate regulatory channels rather than social media platforms where context and nuance are often lost.