Dabur India Ltd has assured the Bombay High Court that it will drop certain therapeutic claims from the labels of its toothpastes, as per the directions of the Maharashtra FDA. Dabur Meswak Toothpaste and Dabur Herb'1 Anti-Bacterial Toothpaste Tulsi labels will no longer feature the words "anti-inflammatory", "anti-bacterial", and "analgesic" from June 2025.

Key Highlights
FDA objects to labeling claims

• Maharashtra FDA termed "anti-inflammatory", "anti-bacterial", and "analgesic" labeling claims on Dabur toothpaste labels as being legally wrong, though the products were not found hazardous to health.

• FDA instructed Dabur to modify the labels in accordance with statutory regulations.

Dabur makes commitment on label change

• Dabur's legal representative told the Bombay HC that the company would modify the labels voluntarily and do away with the controversial claims.

• The process of revising the labels is in progress and fresh packaging will be in the market by June 2025.

High Court accepts Dabur's undertaking

• Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna took down Dabur's statement as an undertaking.

• Current inventory can be sold until May 31, 2025, but no products using the challenged labels can be

sold after June 1.Statements from Leaders or Officials

• Senior counsel Ravi Kadam, appearing for Dabur, informed the court, "The company has initiated the process of revising the labels and packaging. We will never use the objectionable words from June 2025."

• Government advocate PJ Gavhane added, "The department has no issue with Dabur's position, as long as the company stops using the contested labels from June."

Dabur will finish the redesign and implementation of revamped toothpaste packs by June 2025. The move comes in response to increasing regulatory oversight of therapeutic claims on consumer goods, especially within the personal care space. Retailers need to ensure no sale of existing stock after the specified deadline in order to stay compliant.