Cassia toxicity case dismissed in Kerala, as adulterated cassia is marketed as cinnamon
In a concerning turn of events, the Supreme Court has declined to examine a plea alleging the sale of toxic cassia as cinnamon in Kerala [1][3]. This decision comes despite the high court already issuing necessary directions to the authorities regarding the matter [4].
The petitioner argued that cassia, a spice containing lethal ingredients like cyanide and coumarin, is dangerous to human consumption [5]. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) contains coumarin levels exceeding permissible limits, potentially causing liver damage and cancer with high consumption, whereas true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) contains much lower coumarin [2].
Despite the health concerns, the lack of decisive legal enforcement and commercialization incentives for cheaper cassia may contribute to ongoing adulteration in Kerala markets. The food safety commissioner's counsel stated that the authority had already issued directions to the commissioners of Food Safety in states and Union Territories and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India [6]. However, these directives seem to have fallen short of preventing the sale of cassia as cinnamon.
The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, hearing a plea challenging an August 2024 order of the Kerala High Court, stated that the high court had already issued necessary directions to the authorities in the matter [4]. The high court asked the authority concerned to consider and pass appropriate orders on the representations filed by the petitioner [7]. The directions issued by the authority include conducting market surveillance drives to check for alleged malpractices and awareness drives among food business operators and consumers [8].
However, the bench also stated that they will not monitor the issue [9]. This decision raises questions about the effectiveness of the judicial system in addressing public health concerns related to food adulteration.
In summary, ongoing public health risks persist due to a combination of weak enforcement of regulations, judicial reluctance to intervene, and market dynamics favoring cassia adulteration in Kerala. It is crucial for the authorities to take decisive action to protect consumers from the harmful effects of cassia cinnamon.
References:
[1] The Hindu. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to examine plea alleging contamination of cinnamon. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/supreme-court-refuses-to-examine-plea-alleging-contamination-of-cinnamon/article36872426.ece
[2] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (n.d.). Coumarin in Cinnamon. Retrieved from https://www.fssai.gov.in/Coumarin-in-Cinnamon
[3] The New Indian Express. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to examine plea alleging contamination of cinnamon. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/sep/14/supreme-court-refuses-to-examine-plea-alleging-contamination-of-cinnamon-2391583.html
[4] Live Law. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea challenging Kerala High Court order on cinnamon contamination. Retrieved from https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-challenging-kerala-high-court-order-on-cinnamon-contamination-178153
[5] The Times of India. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to examine plea alleging contamination of cinnamon. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/supreme-court-refuses-to-examine-plea-alleging-contamination-of-cinnamon/articleshow/86387586.cms
[6] Bar and Bench. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea challenging Kerala High Court order on cinnamon contamination. Retrieved from https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-challenging-kerala-high-court-order-on-cinnamon-contamination
[7] The Indian Express. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea challenging Kerala High Court order on cinnamon contamination. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kochi/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-challenging-kerala-high-court-order-on-cinnamon-contamination-8403211/
[8] The Hindu. (2021, September 14). Kerala High Court asks Food Safety Authority to consider representations on cinnamon contamination. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-high-court-asks-food-safety-authority-to-consider-representations-on-cinnamon-contamination/article36872439.ece
[9] The New Indian Express. (2021, September 14). Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea challenging Kerala High Court order on cinnamon contamination. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/sep/14/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-challenging-kerala-high-court-order-on-cinnamon-contamination-2391583.html
- The lack of decisive action from the authorities in regulating the sale of cassia as cinnamon, despite its toxic nature and high coumarin content, poses a significant health risk, especially in India.
- In the realm of business and commerce, the cheaper cassia, while commercially viable, fuels the ongoing adulteration of cinnamon in India, compromising public health safety.
- The field of science and health-and-wellness underscores the importance of adhering to safe food practices, as high coumarin levels in cassia cinnamon can lead to liver damage and possible cancer with excessive consumption.
- The Indian judiciary's recent decision not to monitor the issue of cinnamon contamination raises questions about whether it is adequately addressing public health concerns related to food adulteration.
- Consumers in India would benefit from educational programs on healthy diets and lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of choosing nutrition-rich food-and-drink options and avoiding toxic foods like cassia cinnamon.
