'Peanuts & Potatoes': What the ‘Urdu’ Text on the Haldiram's Packet Really Says

The text on the packet is not Urdu, but Arabic, a standard practice for many countries that export to the UAE.

(Photo: The Quint)

Media organisation Sudarshan News has raked up yet another controversy with its Editor-in-Chief Suresh Chavhanke alleging a "conspiracy" behind Haldiram's printing of the ingredients of one of its products (also consumed by people fasting during Navratri) in "Urdu".

Meanwhile, a video of a heated exchange between a TV reporter and a Haldiram's outlet manager over the same has also gone viral, sparking a debate on Urdu on social media platforms.

The product in question here? Haldiram's "Falahari Mixture", a snack product meant to be "imported by Dubai."

However, what the reporter and Chavhanke couldn’t tell was that the language written on the packet is Arabic, a standard practice followed by many countries that intend to export to the UAE.

Yes, Arabic, not Urdu, contrary to the vociferous claims by the TV reporter and Chavhanke.

What Does the Text on the Packet Actually Say?

In his video, Chavhanke had claimed, "This is a snack for those who are fasting. But the description is printed in Urdu. So what does Haldiram want to hide? Is the food made in animal oil?"

Meanwhile, the reporter who heckled the Haldiram's store manager asked repeatedly, "What are you trying to hide? Why is some information written in Urdu?"

While heckling the Haldiram's store manager, the reporter had also ranted about how the "Urdu script" on the packaging "betrayed Hindus who fast during Navratri."

Keeping in mind their claims, we looked into what literal translation of the Arabic text actually says. Here's what we found:

و

البطاطا الطوابل الخفيفة
Sweet mixture of peanuts and potatoes
with mild spices

المكونات: الفول السوداني(50%) و البطاطا(20%)

Ingredients: Peanuts (50%), Potato (20%)

و الزيوت النباتيه (بامولين)

Vegetable oils (palm oil)

ومسحوق السكر(6%)
Powdered sugar (6%)

و الملح و مسحوق الفلفل الأسود و ينيل

و وراق الكاري
Salt, pepper powder, fennel
and curry leaves

يحتوي ا المنتج لى الفول السوداني.
This product contains peanuts

ن ي الند

Made in India

A packet of Haldiram's "Falahari Mixture".

(Photo: Screenshot/Amazon)

We found that this is the same as what the English version says.

In conclusion, the product is a 'sweet mixture of peanuts and potatoes with light spices'. Something objectionable? Seems unlikely.