KMF files complaint against dermatologist who termed Nandini products 'toxic', 'cancer-causing'. Her response

Meanwhile, the dermatologist in question shared a video after KMF's press statement and called out the media for 'exaggerating'.

Police in Bengaluru have registered a First Information Report against a city-based dermatologist following a complaint alleging that she circulated misleading and harmful claims about Nandini milk and dairy products on social media platforms.

The complaint was lodged by Padmavathi R, an official of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the state-run cooperative that markets products under the Nandini brand. The complaint seeks legal action against Dr Sharanya Padma, a dermatologist associated with a private hospital in the city.

According to the complaint, Dr Padma uploaded social media reels on February 8 in which she allegedly stated that certain Nandini products — including cream buns, strawberry-flavoured milk, paneer and other beverages — are “toxic” and contain harmful chemicals. She is alleged to have said that consuming these products on a daily basis could lead to autoimmune disorders and serious health complications, and further claimed that prolonged consumption would “definitely result in cancer in the future”.

The complaint further records that Dr Padma asserted in the videos that strawberry-flavoured milk “does not contain natural strawberries but is prepared by adding artificial colours and preservatives”. She also questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had granted approval for the manufacture and sale of such products.

Bengaluru: KMF has filed a police complaint against a dermatologist for allegedly posting reels claiming Nandini products are toxic, cause autoimmune diseases & cancer, and lack natural ingredients. Terming the claims baseless & defamatory, KMF said it follows FSSAI norms & its… pic.twitter.com/wvkrHsaLPE

— ChristinMathewPhilip (@ChristinMP_) February 19, 2026

Padmavathi R alleged that the doctor claimed consumption of these products would harm public health and suggested that, as KMF is a government-owned cooperative, it was producing and marketing such items for financial gain. The complaint quotes the accused as stating that “these products are not real food but poisonous in nature and KMF should not release such products into the market”.

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A post shared by Sharanya Santhosh (@doctor_sharanya)

It was further alleged that the videos claimed regular intake of these products could lead to the need for “dangerous drugs like steroids” and reiterated that long-term consumption would cause cancer.

In her complaint, Padmavathi stated that what she described as “false propaganda” concerning certain Nandini brand products had been disseminated on social media, leading to confusion among crores of consumers who have trusted the brand for decades.

Based on the complaint, the Malleshwaram police registered a case on February 19. Dr Sharanya Padma (MBBS, MD – Dermatology) has been booked under Section 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which pertains to making, publishing or circulating false information, rumours or reports through any medium, including electronic platforms, with the potential to cause public mischief or alarm. Relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, have also been invoked.

Police officials stated that the matter is under examination and that further steps will be taken in accordance with law.

In a press statement issued on February 18, KMF rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded, misleading and damaging to the brand’s reputation. The federation stated that it strictly complies with food safety requirements and regulatory procedures laid down by statutory authorities, including the FSSAI.

KMF said all Nandini milk and milk products are safe for consumption and urged consumers not to be misled by unverified claims circulating on social media. The federation also stated that it would pursue appropriate legal remedies against those responsible for what it termed malicious and defamatory content.

Meanwhile, the dermatologist in question shared a video after KMF's press statement and called out the media for "exaggerating". She even claimed that she had received a call from the Malleshwaram Police Station and they have filed only a complaint against her, not an FIR.

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A post shared by Sharanya Santhosh (@doctor_sharanya)

"Who am I fighting for? For me or my child? I am fighting for all of you, your kids," she said in her video shared on Friday. She revealed that she had not given any paracetamol or antibiotic to her son in the last two years. "It is not difficult to keep our kids healthy, diet is the main reason for our health. If diet is well-balanced, the immune system has the ability to fight off diseases," she added.

"Why should I be afraid for fighting for our children? I won't be afraid even if they file an FIR," she further said and even slammed FSSAI for passing the products as safe.

(With inputs from PTI)