The Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji (SSDPS Fiji) has voiced its strong support for the Consumer Council of Fiji’s concerns regarding deceptive food preparation practices in restaurants, particularly those impacting consumers with specific dietary restrictions for religious reasons.
Dhirendra Nand, the National President, underscored the critical need for transparency in food preparation, declaring it a fundamental right for consumers—especially those adhering to vegetarian diets based on their faith. He pointed out, “Transparency is not optional — it is a fundamental requirement. Consumers have the right to know exactly what they are eating, especially when it concerns religious or cultural dietary restrictions. Misleading practices like these compromise faith-based choices and cannot be ignored.”
In light of these issues, the Sabha is calling on relevant authorities to investigate food preparation practices and hold accountable those who violate established norms. To build trust within the community, SSDPS Fiji is launching a certification program aimed specifically at vegetarian products. This initiative is designed to assist followers of Sanatan in identifying food items that comply with their dietary standards.
The organization is encouraging both the Sanatan community and the general public to support this certification initiative by choosing products that display the SSDPS Fiji Certification. The Sabha stated, “This will not only protect consumers but also encourage businesses to uphold transparency and honor cultural and religious values.”
Mr. Nand characterized this certification as part of a broader movement that urges businesses and regulatory authorities to emphasize clarity and accountability in their operations. “This is a call to action for both businesses and authorities: clarity, honesty, and respect for religious practices are non-negotiable. SSDPS Fiji will work tirelessly to ensure that vegetarian products are certified and trusted by our community nationwide,” he added.
This proactive approach aims to foster a more informed consumer base and strengthen respect for religious values in food preparation practices across Fiji, ultimately creating a more conscientious and transparent food culture.