The report primarily focuses on the bone product industry in Ghaziabad, Delhi, and the surrounding areas, where artificial jewelry and crockery made from buffalo bones are produced. These products include religious icons like Lord Ganesh idols and Om symbols, which are engraved on hair sticks, jewelry, and various ornaments.
Many factories in areas like Ghaziabad’s Loni area and Delhi’s Janpath Market produce and sell these items. The products are exported both domestically and internationally, with significant markets in places like Tibet and Nepal. The bone material is treated and crafted into different forms without clearly labeling that they originate from animal bones, leaving consumers unaware.
2. Unlabeled Bone Products
One of the most alarming findings is that the products made from animal bones are not labeled as such. This applies to both artificial jewelry and crockery such as bone china plates and cups. While the packaging may say “bone china,” there is no explicit indication that these items contain up to 50% bone in their composition.
- Bone China Products: The investigation found that many crockery items like cups and plates made from bone china are preferred by customers because of their lightweight nature, shine, and durability. These products typically contain buffalo or cattle bone, but sellers and manufacturers do not make this clear to the consumers.
- Religious Symbols on Bone Jewelry: Religious items such as Ganesh idols and Om-engraved hair sticks made from bones are being sold without consumers knowing their true origin. Many customers buy them without being informed that the materials are from animal bones, especially buffalo bones.
3. Supply Chain and Exportation
The bone industry is not restricted to local markets. The waste by-products, such as bone dust, which emerges from the production process, are sold as high-value items.
- Bone Dust Export: The bone dust, which is often sold under the guise of coconut powder, is exported to different places like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and even China. This bone dust is then used in the manufacturing of various goods, including the creation of bone china products.
- No Regulatory Oversight: The lack of regulatory laws and clear labeling in the bone product industry allows for such misrepresentation. The absence of legal requirements to declare bone as a material in these products leaves customers in the dark, particularly when it comes to products that carry religious significance.
4. Consumer Deception
One of the core issues revealed is the deception of customers. Items that are being sold as made from ceramic or other materials are, in fact, made from animal bones, primarily buffalo bones. Sellers, when asked about the material, often claim ignorance or falsely attribute the products to other sources, such as camel bones. However, the actual material is buffalo bone in most cases.
- Consumer Preferences: According to the sellers, customers prefer bone china products due to their high shine and lightweight properties, even though they are unaware of the bone content. This preference allows the bone china industry to flourish, with some sellers deliberately hiding the true origin of the products.
5. Religious and Ethical Concerns
Many of the products with religious symbols, such as Ganesh idols or Om symbols, are created using animal bones. While some consumers may be uncomfortable using such materials, others may not even be aware of the origins of these items. The manufacturers justify their production by citing market demand.
- No Religious Opposition: Despite the potential religious and ethical concerns, the producers claim that they only cater to the demand. When asked, they do not see any issue with using bones for creating items with religious symbols, as long as the demand exists.
6. Ethical Issues in Production
The bone jewelry industry operates without transparency, as consumers are often unaware of what they are purchasing. In Delhi’s markets like Janpath, numerous stores sell bone jewelry without informing customers of the bone content. In fact, camel bones are falsely cited as the material, while the actual content is buffalo bone.
7. Financial Aspects
The report also highlights the economic dynamics of this industry. The bones are purchased cheaply, at ₹50 to ₹60 per kilogram, and turned into high-value products such as artificial jewelry and crockery. Even the bone dust fetches a significant price, selling for up to ₹150 per kilogram. Some lower-quality bone by-products are even used in chicken feed, which promotes growth in poultry.
The report uncovers a widespread industry that operates under the radar, providing consumers with products made from animal bones, often without their knowledge. The use of animal bones in religious symbols, jewelry, and crockery raises questions about consumer rights, ethical manufacturing practices, and the need for transparency in product labeling.
Consumers who may be concerned about the origins of the products they buy—especially those involving religious icons or symbols—should be aware that what they see may not always be what they think, and they may inadvertently be purchasing products made from animal bones.
Recommendations:
- Transparency in Labeling: Manufacturers should be required to clearly state whether a product is made from animal bones to give consumers the option to make informed decisions.
- Regulatory Oversight: A regulatory framework should be established for products that use animal bones, particularly for items with religious symbols, to avoid ethical and religious conflicts.
- Consumer Awareness: Customers should be educated about the materials used in the products they purchase, especially when it comes to religious or sensitive items.