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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. A major food manufactured in the USA has removed all certified artificial colours from its food and beverage portfolio successfully, achieving its goal of fully eliminating them by the middle of this year. This move was announced in June 2025 and was confirmed that more than 90% of its U.S. portfolio was already free from synthetic dyes. These reformulated products have started arriving for consumption in the USA.
Source: short-url.cc/1xs6v

2. Hong Kong’s Department of Health has announced that medical gases will be regulated as pharmaceutical products from June 14, 2026, requiring manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to obtain relevant licences. Products containing nitrous oxide and nitric oxide will be classified as prescription medicines. Non-compliance may result in fines, imprisonment, and other regulatory enforcement actions.
Source: short-url.cc/1rZJs

3. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to multiple entities for alleged violations of current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) requirements and for the unlawful marketing of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs through telehealth platforms. These warnings address firms that do not meet quality standards and telehealth providers promoting unapproved products for weight loss. The FDA emphasised compliance with manufacturing, quality, and marketing rules, and cautioned that failure to address the identified violations could result in further regulatory action.
Source: short-url.cc/1xs6F

4. India’s Central government has amended the marine export laws for export administration, effective from 9th June 2026. To modernize export administration, the notification mandates online registration workflows and establishes revised fee schedules. The legislative intent is to digitize statutory record-keeping and enforce strict compliance protocols governing ownership transfers, facility modifications, and dealer licensing across vessels, processing plants, and storage premises.
Source: short-url.cc/1rZJV

5. The World Health Organization has urged countries to shift from visual inspection and cytology-based screening to Human Papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer prevention. The updated recommendation highlights superior accuracy in detecting high-risk infections and supports wider adoption of affordable, locally developed Human Papillomavirus tests to accelerate cervical cancer elimination efforts.
Source: short-url.cc/1xs6P

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. USA based company has issued a nationwide recall of its powdered infant formula after the FDA and CDC contacted the company about three infant botulism cases involving babies who had consumed its formula. The affected infants in California, Washington, and Pennsylvania were hospitalized and treated with FDA-approved treatment, with no deaths reported. No formula has tested positive for the bacteria; the recall was made as a precaution.
Source: short-url.cc/1rUTh

2. The Union Health Ministry’s decision to remove cough syrups from the Schedule K exemption may encourage a shift towards Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani remedies, particularly in rural areas where access to doctors and licensed pharmacies is limited. Industry experts expect demand for Ayush cough syrups to rise as access to conventional cough syrups require a prescription for purchase.
Source: short-url.cc/1rUTs

3. IHLD MedTech to reportedly establish a nationwide network of specialized wound-care Centers of Excellence under its Wound Heal Plus initiative. This is important as chronic and non-healing wounds, particularly among diabetic patients, remain a major healthcare challenge. The network will expand access to advanced wound management, rehabilitation, and AI-enabled patient monitoring services.
Source: short-url.cc/1rUTw

4. US FDA has approved updated safety labelling for an OTC weight-loss drug, adding warnings about rare risks of acute kidney injury and kidney stones. The change is important as it alerts consumers and healthcare providers to potential kidney complications, especially among users with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.
Source: short-url.cc/1xn6Q

5. A recent inspection by the Telangana Medical Council has reignited discussions on the scope of practice and legality of dentists in relation to aesthetic and hair transplantation procedures. The NMC stated that only trained medical professionals should conduct these non-emergency procedures. The NDC allowed oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform them with proper training. Furthermore, the Telangana Medical Council confirmed that dentists lack the training for such procedures.
 Source: short-url.cc/1xn6U

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued an Order on June 12, 2026 barring hospitals, doctors, and affiliated pharmacies from compelling patients to buy medicines exclusively from in-house pharmacies. Prescriptions must be handed directly to patients which gives the patients an option to pick pharmacy of their choice. This restriction put by hospitals on the choice of the patient to purchase medicines from their choice of a pharmacy amounts to unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Further, hospitals must now display notices stating patients of their right to purchase medicines from any licensed pharmacy of their choice in English and Marathi.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xhAz

2. The Jharkhand High Court has directed a complete ban on the conduct of the “two-finger test” in all hospitals, medical colleges, and healthcare institutions across the State. Reiterating established legal and medical principles, the Court observed that the practice is unscientific, violates the dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy of survivors of sexual assault, and has no evidentiary value in determining consent or sexual history. The Court directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with existing guidelines and legal standards governing the medical examination of sexual assault survivors, while emphasizing the need for survivor-centric and trauma-informed medical care. The ruling reinforces the prohibition on the use of the test and underscores the obligation of healthcare institutions to adhere to prescribed medico-legal protocols.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xgoW

3. The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has reportedly intensified enforcement against illegal medicine distribution by raiding an unauthorized supplier of cardiac stimulant injections and an unlicensed medical shop. Authorities warned against unauthorized sales and supply of prescription medicines.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rOoZ

4. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that strict compliance with the PCPNDT Act, 1994 is essential to prevent sex-selective practices and female foeticide. The Court held that deficiencies in mandatory records, including Form F, are not mere technical errors but substantive violations. Emphasising the Act’s objective, it observed that accurate documentation is a crucial safeguard for effective monitoring, enforcement, and prevention of unlawful sex determination practices.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xgqd

5.India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to Drugs Rules, 1945 dated June 9, 2026. The amendment removes the term “Syrups” from Item (7) under Serial No. 13 of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This means that now syrups will be sold under a sales license only. Schedule K specifies certain classes of drugs and categories of persons or institutions that are exempt from specific provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules made thereunder, subject to prescribed conditions. The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rOqd

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. India’s Supreme Court has held that access to trauma care is a fundamental right under Article 21, directing all States and UTs to unify emergency helplines under 112, establish trauma registries, operationalise cashless treatment for road accident victims, and enforce ambulance tracking standards within set timelines. The ruling significantly expands constitutional obligations on healthcare infrastructure, emergency services, insurers, and public health governance across India. It also needs to have physical and digital grievance redressal systems for good samaritans. This classification is not restricted to national highways but extends to state highways and district roads too.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qB9n

2. The government has reportedly referred 27 doctors to the National Medical Commission (NMC) for disciplinary action in connection with a pharmaceutical freebies case involving sponsored foreign trips under the guise of rendering of knowledge dissemination service. The matter relates to alleged acceptance of luxury travel and hospitality benefits linked to pharmaceutical promotional activities, with State Medical Councils now expected to examine the cases pursuant to violation of MCI Code of Ethics. The development intensifies scrutiny around pharma-doctor engagement practices, and enforcement of professional conduct regulations within the healthcare sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFF

3. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) initiated regulatory action against unauthorized online sale of hazardous chemicals like ammonium nitrate, PETN, gun powder, and picric acid. Notices were issued to e-commerce platforms, seller details shared with PESO, and platforms began delisting products to ensure consumer safety and compliance
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFK

4. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly focusing on contamination control infrastructure, particularly Air Handling Unit (AHU) filter maintenance systems, to support compliance with revised Schedule M requirements. Industry experts note that heightened regulatory expectations around hygiene, traceability, cross-contamination prevention, and cleanroom maintenance are driving interest in automated AHU filter cleaning and maintenance technologies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFU

5. Government of India is reportedly planning to launch a dedicated childhood cancer registry which aims to systematically collect data on cancer cases in children in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). India records around seventy-five thousand new cancer cases annually, many detected late. The government plans awareness, data collection, and collaborations to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qB8R

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. The Department of Consumer Affairs met with major edible oil industry associations on 20 May 2026 to discuss standardizing pack sizes between 200 ml and 20 litres. The initiative aims to enhance consumer protection, ensure transparency in pricing, and prevent misleading packaging. Associations representing 90% of the sector supported the proposal, recommending exemptions for minor oils and packs below 200 ml, with a three month transition period for implementation.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vJbr

2. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has clarified that Form CT-16 applications for import of Reference Listed Drugs (RLDs) or Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) for export-oriented BA-BE studies may be submitted on a standalone basis through the NSWS portal. The clarification addresses operational issues due to lack of system linkage between CT-05 prior intimation applications and CT-16 applications on the SUGAM portal.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vJby

3. The Karnataka Pharma Retailers & Distributors Organization (KPRDO) has urged the government to immediately curb misleading advertisements and aggressive promotional practices relating to prescription, life-saving, and scheduled medicines, particularly across social media platforms. The organisation has also called for the creation of a specialised enforcement team and digital monitoring mechanism to address regulatory violations under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act and the Drugs & Magic Remedies Act. The recommendations could also intensify scrutiny on pharmaceutical advertising, online promotional activities, pharmacy practices, and trade compliance across the healthcare and pharma sectors.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vJbD

4. India’s central food authority has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026, revising contaminant limits across pulses, edible oils, seafood, oilseeds, and nutmeg containing products. Updated standards cover heavy metals, aflatoxins, veterinary drug residues, and inorganic arsenic in fish oils, effective from 1 December 2026. Food businesses, seafood exporters, and nutraceutical companies must review and strengthen quality assurance systems, testing protocols, and sourcing controls to ensure compliance.
Source: FSSAI Gazette Notification, Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment Regulations, 2026
Source: shortlink.uk/1vJbI

5. India’s Himachal Pradesh High Court has ruled that criminal liability cannot automatically be imposed on all directors or partners of a pharmaceutical company without specific averments establishing individual roles in business conduct. The judgment tightens procedural and evidentiary requirements for regulators prosecuting ‘Not of Standard Quality’ and spurious drug cases, potentially making enforcement actions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act more legally complex for drug regulators and enforcement agencies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vMU6

Posted on

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public notice under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020, prohibiting use of cosmetics as injectable preparations by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics. The notice flags four key violations: use of GNRAS or prohibited ingredients per BIS standards, misleading or false labelling claims, tampering with manufacturer inscriptions, and use of cosmetics for treatment purposes beyond their statutory scope of cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9D

2. The Karnataka High Court has stayed criminal proceedings in a case involving the alleged sale of pirated books on an e-commerce marketplace, with the platform arguing that it functions solely as an intermediary and does not directly control third-party seller listings. The development brings renewed focus to intermediary liability and the extent of safe harbour protections available to e-commerce platforms under Indian laws.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9I

3. The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has quashed criminal proceedings against a pharma unit initiated by a Central drug inspector, holding that prosecution for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs lies with State authorities and not the Central Government. The ruling clarifies the limits of enforcement powers of central drug regulator and may affect similar cases initiated by CDSCO against pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q0Oz

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has reportedly initiated a review of concerns raised by retail chemists over the functioning of electronic pharmacies. Following assurances from the regulator, several state pharmacy associations have declined to participate in the proposed nationwide strike to avoid disruption in the supply of essential medicines and protect patient interests.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9S

5. A US federal jury found a major pharmaceutical company liable for delaying a generic version of a blockbuster constipation drug through an anticompetitive “pay-for-delay” arrangement. The verdict awarded nearly USD 885 million in damages and heightened scrutiny of delayed generic entry practices. The ruling may increase antitrust, litigation, and compliance risks for pharmaceutical companies globally.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q0OM

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has rejected a cosmetics import registration certificate and barred the importer from seeking fresh registrations for one year over alleged submission of fabricated documents under the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The move underscores stricter regulatory scrutiny and tougher enforcement of compliance standards in India’s cosmetics import sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vfpf

2. India’s Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the conviction of a clinic owner under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act 1994, observing that lapses in maintaining mandatory records, including Form ‘F’, cannot be treated as minor procedural defects. The Court emphasized that proper documentation is central to enforcement of the PCPNDT framework aimed at preventing female foeticide and preserving regulatory oversight of diagnostic practices. This is important as the ruling reinforces strict compliance expectations for clinics, diagnostic centres, and healthcare establishments operating under the PCPNDT regime. The judgment signals that deficiencies in statutory records may attract penal consequences even where procedural irregularities in inspection or search are alleged.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vfr5

3. Parliamentary Standing Committee has reportedly recommended expansion of Regional Raw Drug Repositories under the National Medicinal Plants Board, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions, to support documentation, authentication, conservation, and sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants used in Ayush systems. The recommendation reflects continued policy attention toward strengthening medicinal plant infrastructure and raw material quality within the herbal and phytopharmaceutical ecosystem.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pTkP

4. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) of India has launched a probe into the online sale of an allegedly unregistered herbicide on major e-commerce platforms, citing concerns over regulatory non-compliance and inadequate product disclosures. The action underscores rising scrutiny of hazardous products sold online and may push platforms to strengthen seller verification and compliance mechanisms.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vfpx

5. The Bombay High Court held that although infringement relief was unavailable in the “OCTRIDE” and “OTIDE” dispute due to both marks being registered, passing off protection could still be granted under common law. The Court cited the marks phonetic similarity, the Plaintiff’s prior goodwill and market reputation, and the heightened risk of confusion in pharmaceutical products.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pTl0

Posted on

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. Indonesia’s health ministry has directed food companies to introduce coloured labels indicating nutritional content, within two years. Red and green labels will indicate high and low sugar, salt, and fat content respectively. Companies must revise packaging and validate nutritional content to meet the new labelling requirements, but detailed sanctions for non-compliance have not been informed yet.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nEyC

2. Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration has reportedly directed all ayurvedic medicine manufacturers to register on the ayudmla.gujarat.gov.in portal and upload complete legacy records, mandating digital compliance for licensing processes across the state. It strengthens regulatory oversight and promotes digital compliance in the ayurvedic sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sU3e

3. The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association and other retail pharmacy groups have urged regulators to mandate licensing requirements for e-pharmacies displaying medicines online, similar to physical stores under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This is important as it highlights growing concerns around patient safety, regulatory gaps, and unfair competition. If implemented, e-pharmacy platforms may face stricter compliance, licensing requirements, and potential changes to their marketplace and digital medicine distribution models.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sU3h

4. A leading weight loss drug manufacturer has partnered with OpenAI to deploy artificial intelligence across drug discovery, manufacturing, and operations, while training its workforce globally. The initiative will help to enhance productivity, strengthen competitive positioning in the obesity therapeutics market, and improve overall efficiency without immediate workforce reductions.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nEyI

5. The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association and other retail pharmacy groups have urged regulators to extend licensing norms for medicine display to e-pharmacies, seeking clarity on “offer for sale” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. This is important to curb unlicensed digital sales and ensure parity, potentially bringing online platforms under stricter licensing and compliance requirements.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sU3l

Posted on

TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. We hope you enjoy reading it.

1. India’s central government has warned pharmacies, clinics, and online platforms of licence cancellation, fines, and legal action for unauthorised sale of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Regulators flagged misuse amid rising availability of generic semaglutide, reiterating that prescriptions are restricted to endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, and cardiologists only, with nationwide inspections already underway.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYE-

2. The Delhi High Court granted a 30 day stock clearance window to the pharmaceutical manufacturer for its diabetes drug under the existing brand, following its agreement to adopt a new name. Thereafter, unsold inventory will be supplied free to government hospitals under supervision, with immediate cessation of all commercial use.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYF1

3. A Hyderabad-based paediatrician has criticised a company for introducing similar-looking packaging following the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India crackdown on misleading ORS branding. The doctor alleged that despite rebranding, the product retains strong recall value, potentially misleading consumers and raising ongoing public health concerns over confusion between therapeutic ORS and commercial electrolyte drinks.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYF3

4. The US FDA clarified that compounded versions of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs can only be produced during official shortages. With supply stabilising, compounders must stop manufacturing copycat versions once drugs are removed from the shortage list. The regulator warned of enforcement action against non-compliant pharmacies and telehealth providers.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sbL5

5. India’s Drugs Technical Advisory Board, has recommended amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 to introduce licensing provisions for drug marketers. The move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and monitoring of entities that market drugs manufactured by other companies under their own label.
Source 1: shortlink.uk/1mYF8
Source 2: shortlink.uk/1mYFb