Hamdard Laboratories sold chemicals under the brand name 'Rooh Afza' sharbat

Dhaka South City Corporation’s inspection report

New Delhi – ‘Hamdard Laboratories’ which sells the famous drink ‘Rooh Afza’ has been accused of selling chemicals instead of fruit syrup to customers in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and the Middle East, as per reports by the ‘Dhaka South City Corporation’ (DSCC). ‘Rooh Afza’ is a ‘Halal’ certified drink and consumed by a considerable number of Indians. Also, ‘Hamdard Laboratories’ has been found guilty in the theft case and has also been fined. The DSCC had collected samples of ‘Rooh Afza’ from the market, after which this fact came to light. On the other hand, Hamdard claims that ’36 types of fruits are used to make Rooh Afza and 13 other herbal ingredients are added’. Weekly ‘Blitz’ magazine has published a report in this regard.

‘Hamdard Laboratories’ sold chemicals under the name of #Halal certified ‘Rooh Afza’ drink.

➡️Findings by the Dhaka South City Corporation.

‘#RoohAfza‘ is a widely popular drink in India as well, authorities must carry out similar checks here too.#Jago pic.twitter.com/6QEX7gtS6j

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 23, 2024

1. ‘Dhaka South City Corporation’ found that ‘Hamdard’ was fooling people with false claims and mentally and emotionally exploiting them. The brand reportedly promotes ‘Rooh Afza’ as a ‘Nutritional drink’ and ‘maintains as well as adjusts the body’s water level, has 13 herbal ingredients and 36 types of fresh fruit juices and fresh flower
extracts.’ However, the ‘Dhaka South City Corporation’ has said that these ingredients are not contained in the drink.

2. Moreover, reports have cited health experts saying that ‘Rooh Afza’ may cause serious health issues to several people, particularly those suffering from diabetes.

3. A report by Weekly ‘Blitz’ said that the Managing Director of Hamdard, Dr. Hakim Muhammad Yusuf Harun Bhuiyan has issued a written apology for the ‘false promotion’ of the product.

4. The apology comes amid charges that ‘Hamdard Laboratories Bangladesh’ offered to bribe to civic authorities in Dhaka, to keep the matter out of the people’s attention. Following this, the City Corporation reportedly filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Food Directorate on 20^th February.

Editorial Perspective

‘Rooh Afza’ is also sold in India. Indian authorities must also inspect it.