Sojat Henna Products Fail Quality Tests in Rajasthan, Raising Consumer Alarms
The famed Sojat mehndi, renowned for its superior colour and quality, has been embroiled in a significant quality scandal. During state health department inspections conducted between January 15 and January 31, henna products from three companies claiming to use authentic Sojat mehndi were found to be adulterated and failed mandatory quality tests. This discovery has sparked widespread consumer concern, particularly as the wedding season approaches.
Products Found Without Key Pigment
The health department's rigorous sampling campaign revealed alarming deficiencies in several marketed henna products. Samples of 'Pushp Henna' from Pushp Henna Pvt Ltd were found to be noncompliant with established quality standards and, critically, showed no traces of lawsone pigment. Lawsone is the natural compound responsible for henna's characteristic staining properties and colour depth.
Similarly, M/s Velnik India Limited's Mehandi Cone, sold under the brand Nazia Gold, and Shringar Mehandi Cone from Sankhla Mehandi Udhyog were also flagged for having nil lawsone content. Officials emphasized that the absence of this natural pigment severely compromises the product's performance, affecting both the depth and longevity of the colour application.
Severe Adulteration and Safety Concerns
Ajay Phatak, drug controller (I) of the Rajasthan health department, stated that the findings indicate severe adulteration. "If a henna product has no lawsone content, it implies that it is not pure henna but instead contains picramic acid, a synthetic dye prohibited under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," Phatak explained. He further highlighted the safety risks, noting, "This compound is typically associated with textile and leather dyes, further exacerbating safety concerns for consumers hoping for authentic henna products."
The health department, for the first time, conducted extensive sampling of henna products from Sojat, Beawar, and other parts of the state. The discovery of nil lawsone content in several local products has been deemed a serious cause for concern, prompting immediate legal action.
Legal Action and GI Protection Challenges
In response to the adulteration findings, the health department has initiated legal proceedings against the involved companies. "We will file a case in court against the companies selling adulterated henna," Phatak confirmed. This move underscores the department's commitment to consumer protection and quality enforcement.
The scandal is particularly troubling given that Sojat mehndi was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate in 2022. The GI status was intended to protect the authenticity of Sojat henna and deter counterfeit products in the market. However, the recent tests reveal that adulterated products continue to circulate, undermining the GI's protective measures and misleading consumers.
As the wedding season nears, with heightened demand for henna products, these findings serve as a critical warning. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of henna purchases to avoid potential health risks associated with synthetic adulterants.
