DCA Raids: Fake supplements, bogus cures for diabetes, kidney stones seized in Musheerabad, Sangareddy

Hyderabad: In raids in various locations in the State, Drugs Control Administration officials seized drugs being sold under the guise of ‘food products/nutraceuticals’ and sale of certain medicines using misleading advertisements.

The raids were conducted in Musheerabad in the city, Miryalaguda in Nalgonda District and Ameenpur in Sangareddy District.

Seizure of drugs being sold as food products in Musheerabad

On Tuesday, the DCA officials seized Foron-XT Tablets (Ferrous Ascorbate, Folic Acid Tablets and Zinc Sulphate tablets) in Musheerabad, which were manufactured illegally and sold under the guise of ‘food products/nutraceuticals.’

The product was found to be manufactured by Maxtra Laboratories, Rangarangaiah Nagar, Chengicherla Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana and marketed by Zyve Pharmaceuticals in Ashok Nagar, Khairtabad.

The said product was illegally manufactured under a ‘food license (FSSAI license)’ and falsely claimed to be a food product/nutraceutical. According to the label composition of the product, it is classified as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Medicines flouting rules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act can harm health

The product must be manufactured only under a ‘drug licence’ issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, adhering strictly to the ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ (GMP) outlined in Schedule M of the Drugs Rules. Additionally, it must meet the quality standards prescribed in the ‘Indian Pharmacopoeia’ (IP) as mandated.

The drugs illegally manufactured and sold under a food license are not produced in accordance with GMPs and often fail to meet the quality standards prescribed in the IP. Such products pose serious risks to patients’ health and may have severe implications.

Manufacturing and selling ‘drugs’ without a valid ‘drug license’ is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with imprisonment for up to five years.

DCA seizes false cures for diabetes and kidney stones

In separate events, Telangana DCA officials found certain medicines circulating in the market with misleading claims on their labels, stating that they treat diabetes and renal stones. Such claims are in contravention of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

One of them is Podapathri Powder, a supposed Ayurvedic medicine sold as a ‘treatment for diabetes.’ It was manufactured in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada and found being sold at Miryalaguda.

The second one is Stone-Go Alkalizer Syrup, a supposed Ayurvedic medicine that can ‘cure renal stones.’ The drug stock was found on the premises of a shop in Ameenpur, Sangareddy District. It was manufactured in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 prohibits the advertisement of certain drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders. No person shall take part in the publication of advertisements regarding the diseases/disorders indicated under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. This includes claims for medicinal cures for diabetes and renal stones.

Cases have been registered in all cases and action will be taken as per further investigation.

Public advisory

Persons who make misleading advertisements regarding drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders are punishable under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with a fine, or with both.

The public may report any suspected manufacturing activity related to drugs, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, in residential, commercial, or industrial areas, as well as any other complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines, through the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana Toll-Free Number 1800-599-6969, which is operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.