The Kerala High Court has issued a request to the Commissioner of Food Safety for a response regarding a petition that seeks measures to address the use of uncoated papers and newsprints for food packaging in restaurants.
Justice Devan Ramachandran emphasized that the Food Commissioner must consider various pertinent factors, including the imperative of safeguarding public health and safety in all restaurants, irrespective of their prestige or status.
“I am of the view, that the Commissioner of Food Safety has a very important role to play in this regard. The life of citizens is in peril if materials used for packing are not properly monitored and supervised,” the Court said in its interim order.
The Court noted that there has been an uptick in the distribution of food parcels following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The distribution of food in packed containers has risen to great numbers; and there is hardly any specific instructions available, at least prima facie, with respect to the manner in which it is to be done,” the order stated.
The judge expressed the view that this matter presents a significant public concern, necessitating prompt action by the relevant authorities.
The order was issued in response to a petition filed by Nebu Thomas Cherian, who is the proprietor of Anna Polymers, a company specializing in the production of compostable paper plates.
The petitioner asserted that Anna Polymers had obtained certification from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and had undergone rigorous testing for factors such as food migration, food-grade quality, and grease-resistant properties.
The petitioner emphasized that the lack of enforcement of food safety standards enables dishonest manufacturers to persist in using uncoated papers and newsprints for food packaging, potentially endangering both public health and the environment.
Therefore, the petitioner requested a directive to the State Government for the strict enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on September 25, during which the Commissioner of Food Safety will present his findings.
