Plea Raises Health Concerns

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a plea that accused traders in Kerala of selling cassia disguised as cinnamon. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the petition challenging a Kerala High Court order from August 2024. The court noted that the High Court had already directed the relevant authorities to take action. The dismissal does not comment on the validity of the health risks raised in the petition.

The petitioner had argued that cassia contained toxic compounds, including cyanide and coumarin, which could pose cancer risks and endanger human health. He sought restrictions on its sale and a ban on its import to protect consumers.

Kerala High Court’s Earlier Directions

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had instructed the state’s Food Safety Commissioner to act on the petitioner’s concerns. Authorities informed the court that they had asked food safety commissioners across states and Union Territories, as well as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to conduct market surveillance. The High Court also highlighted the importance of consumer awareness campaigns. It directed state authorities to strictly follow FSSAI guidelines, carry out regular inspections, and caution both food business operators and consumers about the potential sale of cassia as cinnamon.

Takeaway

While the Supreme Court chose not to intervene further, the Kerala High Court’s instructions ensure that food safety authorities continue monitoring the market to safeguard public health.

Source: Hindustan Times