New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition alleging that cassia—a spice considered harmful and potentially carcinogenic—is being sold in Kerala under the guise of cinnamon.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta observed that the issue falls under spice adulteration and noted that the Kerala High Court had already directed authorities to take necessary action.
The petitioner had sought a complete ban on the sale and import of cassia, claiming it contains hazardous compounds like cyanide and coumarin, posing serious health risks. However, the High Court, after reviewing the matter, had instructed state authorities to address the concerns appropriately.
Unsatisfied, the petitioner moved the Supreme Court, which declined to intervene further. The court was also informed that both the State and Central Food Safety Commissioners, along with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), have already been directed to carry out market surveillance drives to curb such malpractice.
