CHENNAI: The Centre has expedited measures to replace gelatine capsule shells, which are made from materials derived from animals like cows and buffaloes, with cellulose-based vegetarian shells.
The move has already attracted criticism, as industry insiders fear this will increase cost manifold.
After receiving the proposal to replace gelatine capsules with cellulose capsules last year, the Union Health Ministry had formed an expert committee in March to address technical issues pertaining to replacement of gelatine capsules.
In its notice dated June 2, the committee invited views and comments from stakeholders, including manufacturers and marketers, on the proposal. “It’s still under review, and things are yet to be finalised,” Drugs Controller General India Dr GN Singh told Express.
However, pharmaceutical manufacturers are not happy about the proposal. “On one side, the Central government says reduce medicine prices. But cellulose-based capsules would cost four times more than gelatine-based ones, as the component is derived from animal waste, whereas cellulose is extracted from plants or seeds, depending on manufacturers,” said M Rajarathinam, who is former president of the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, Tamil Nadu.
The notice said cellulose-based capsule shells were safer as compared to animal-derived ones, but did not explain on what grounds. This has led to charges that the government is spreading false propaganda that gelatine capsules cause side effects. “Isolated cases cannot be taken into consideration, as effects of any medicine will be different from person to person,” added Rajarathinam. “This is an initiative of a few, including the ministers, to promote vegetarianism in the country,” charged Rajarathinam.
The notice invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders/NGOs and consumers within 21 days. However, manufacturers said it would take many days to receive the notice, and by the time they receive it, there will not be much time to submit facts and comments.
Gelatine capsules have been used for decades in the country, and have been approved by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Committee after testing to prove that it is safe for patients.
Gelatine is a collagen derived from bones and soft tissues of animals, which is processed to make capsule shells, according to Robinson Abraham, retired professor, Meat Science and Technology, Madras Veterinary College.
“In India, the main source of gelatine are buffaloes and cows, because these animals are slaughtered in higher number. Thus, they are easy to source and are cheap. Only about 6-7 kg of gelatine can be obtained from 100 kg of bones and tissues, so we need a lot of raw material. There are very few pigs slaughtered, while waste from goats will not be sufficient to meet the demand,” added professor Abraham.
What is gelatine?
Gelatine is a collagen derived from bones and soft tissues of animals, which is processed to make capsule shells. Gelatin for recipe use comes in the form of sheets, granules, or powder. Instant types can be added to the food as they are.