Question : Draize Tests

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has prohibited use of the cruel and obsolete "Draize" irritation tests that involve using rabbits;

(b) if so, the details and reasons thereof;

(c) whether the Government has looked into the alternatives for the said tests and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the said alternative have proved to be more reliable in testing and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)
(a): Yes.

(b) to (e): A number of representations had been received to make necessary amendments in the relevant rules. Schedule Y to the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 has been amended to provide for initial dermal and ocular toxicity studies to be carried out by non-animal alternative tests as given in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines.