Vallabhbhai Kathiria, the chairman of a federal body on animal husbandry in India, recently sparked controversy among his countrymen by promoting cow dung ‘chips’ that can allegedly reduce mobile phone radiation and shield users from disease.

Named ‘Gausatva Kavach’, the cow dung chip is said to be manufactured by Rajkot-based Shrijee Gaushala (cow shelter) as part of an initiative to promote cow dung products. The aim is to have 500 gaushalas produce the anti-radiation dung chips, which cost between Rs. 50 ($0.70) and Rs. 100 ($1.40). Through Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayoghe (RKA), the federal body on animal husbandry, the Indian Government wants to popularize cow dung chips in India, but also sell its products abroad, including in the United States.

Photo: ANI

“Cow dung is anti-radiation. If you bring this home and place it in (on) your phone, it (the phone) will become radiation-free,” RKA chairman Vallabhbhai Kathiria said during a press conference. “You can test its effectiveness in any laboratory and even in colleges.”

Scientists took issue with the Indian official’s statements, saying that rigorous scientific tests, including peer reviewed studies, would be necessary to prove the like radiation-absorbing qualities of cow dung. Many Hindus believe cow by-products promote health and well-being, but most claims remain untested by modern science. That hasn’t stopped people like Kathiria from promoting cow dung as a miracle product.

“Cow dung will protect everyone, it is anti-radiation… It is scientifically proven…This is a radiation chip that can be used in mobile phones to reduce radiation. It will be safeguarded against diseases,” he told news agency ANI.

So if you’re worried about smartphone radiation, there’s no need to invest in a tin foil hat, or an expensive anti-5G USB stick. You can get a cow dung chip for less than a dollar.