Supreme Court Declines Cinnamon Contamination Plea Review

The Supreme Court refused to evaluate a plea concerning contamination of cinnamon and sale of toxic cassia in Kerala. Despite allegations of health risks, the Court reaffirmed the Kerala High Court's directives, emphasizing the responsibility of food safety authorities to ensure consumer protection against such adulteration.

The Supreme Court has declined to review a plea regarding the alleged contamination of cinnamon products with toxic cassia in Kerala. The petition argued the cassia sold could cause cancer, but a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta confirmed adherence to prior high court directives.

The bench's decision dismissed the appeal seeking stringent restrictions on the toxic cassia's sale, reinforcing that the responsibility lies with food safety authorities. These authorities have been instructed to conduct market surveillance to curb such market practices.

The high court had previously mandated the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state food safety officials to launch awareness initiatives for food business operators and consumers, underscoring the importance of caution in food purchases.

(With inputs from agencies.)