The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with a petition alleging the sale of toxic cassia being passed off as cinnamon in Kerala, observing that the matter had already been dealt with by the Kerala High Court.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing an appeal challenging the High Court’s August 2024 order. The petitioner had sought a restriction on the sale and a ban on the import of cassia, contending that the spice was poisonous and dangerous for human consumption as it contained harmful substances such as cyanide and coumarin.
“This matter relates to contamination of spice. Cassia, which is poisonous and known to cause cancer, is being sold in the guise of cinnamon,” the petitioner’s counsel argued. However, the bench refused to examine the matter further, noting that the High Court had already issued necessary directions to the authorities.
“We are not going to monitor all this,” the bench remarked while dismissing the plea.
High Court Proceedings
Before the High Court, the Food Safety Commissioner had submitted that directions were issued to state commissioners of food safety and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to conduct market surveillance drives to check such malpractices.
The High Court had recorded that authorities were required to undertake awareness campaigns among food business operators and consumers to ensure caution while selling or purchasing food products. It further directed the state authority to scrupulously follow FSSAI’s guidelines on market surveillance and awareness.
Disposing of the matter, the High Court had asked the concerned authority to duly consider the petitioner’s representations and pass appropriate orders.
Supreme Court’s Stand
Echoing the High Court’s approach, the Supreme Court held that there was no need for further judicial monitoring. It dismissed the plea, noting that adequate directions had already been issued by the competent authorities.
