The Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha taking proactive steps to introduce an SSDPS Fiji Certification for vegetarian products, allowing Sanatan followers to confidently identify and purchase items that fully comply with Sanatan dietary standards.
This follows findings that DMC outlets were frying beef patties and non-meat items such as fries in the same cooking oil without proper disclosure, prompting the company to remove beef from its menu while it explores options and acquires additional equipment with increased power capacity to allow separate cooking processes.
The Sabha is urging all Sanatan followers and the wider community to support this initiative by purchasing vegetarian products that bear the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji Certification.
They say this will not only protect consumers but also encourage businesses to maintain transparency and respect for cultural and religious values.
Sabha President Dhirendra Nand says this is a call to action for both businesses and authorities, stressing that clarity, honesty and respect for religious practices are non-negotiable.
He says the Sabha will work tirelessly to ensure that vegetarian products are certified and trusted by the community nationwide.
Nand says they remain committed to safeguarding the rights of consumers, promoting ethical business practices, and upholding the values of Sanatan followers.
Meanwhile, Nand also says they fully support the concerns raised by the Consumer Council of Fiji regarding food preparation practices by DMC outlets that have misled consumers, particularly those observing religious dietary restrictions.
He says this is unacceptable for Sanatan followers who strictly adhere to vegetarian diets based on religious principles.
The Sabha President stresses that transparency is not optional and is a fundamental requirement, adding that consumers have the right to know exactly what they are eating, especially when it concerns religious or cultural dietary restrictions.
He says misleading practices like these compromise faith-based choices and cannot be ignored.
The Sabha is calling on relevant authorities to investigate DMC’s practices and ensure accountability.
