Vegetarians, who have spent skeptical days feeling queasy about the use of gelatin in capsules, might be able to breathe easy now. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has received a proposal to bring in vegetarian capsules in place of gelatin based capsules. “A proposal has been received for plant cellulose based capsules which are also safer for use than animal based gelatin ones.” said G.N Singh, Drug Controller General of India.
Gelatin, a key element in capsules, vitamin drugs and chicken fodder, is manufactured by processing the bones, skin and tissue of cattle. “About 95% of capsules worldwide use gelatin”, said Sajiv Menon, Managing Director of Nitta Gelatin, one of the largest manufacturers in India.
This drug controller’s move came just a year after states such as Haryana and Maharashtra banned cow slaughter. Presently the CDSCO would take a decision after a month and issue final orders. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) has already come up with standards for vegetarian capsules.
In the recent era, vegetarian capsules are the new approach and might replace the usage of gelatin or non-veg capsules.
“There are also issues about religious, cultural and personal preferences of patients. If there is an alternative available which is most natural and plant based and preferred by vegetarians, then it must be evaluated.” the source said.
This definitely will be a welcome change for the vegetarians and surely there can be nothing better than embracing nature in its purest form.
News Source: TOI | ET | India Today
