LI Network
Published on: November 15, 2023 at 12:15 IST
The Kerala High Court has directed eateries to display the date and time of food preparation on packaging in the aftermath of a case involving the death of a 16-year-old who consumed Shawarma in 2022.
Justice Devan Ramachandran issued the directive while considering a plea from the deceased’s mother. The court emphasized the importance of creating awareness among the public regarding the necessity to consume food items within the stipulated time.
The Food Safety Commissioner was tasked with overseeing the implementation of these measures, and the court warned of consequences for violations.
The court’s decision was influenced by information from the Food Safety Commissioner, Afsana Parveen, highlighting that consuming Shawarma beyond the safe time frame was a significant cause of accidents. The court acknowledged the Commissioner’s efforts, including issuing ‘Shawarma Guidelines’ in September 2022 and a ‘Ban Order’ in January 2023. Despite these measures, incidents of consumption leading to death continued, leading the court to maintain the writ petition for ongoing monitoring of orders and regulations.”
The court called for a counter-affidavit from the respondents, detailing their response to the petitioner’s allegations, along with the guidelines, orders, and regulations provided by the Food Safety Commissioner. Additionally, the court requested information on the prosecution and steps taken against the relevant eatery. The matter is scheduled for further consideration on December 5, 2023, at 1:45 P.M.
The court had previously initiated a suo motu case following the death of the 16-year-old and hospitalization of over 50 people due to consuming Shawarma.
The mother, seeking compensation for her daughter’s death and strict compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, approached the court through the present plea.
Case Title: Prasanna E.V. V. State of Kerala & Ors.
