Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued instructions for eateries to display the date and time of food preparation on packaging, particularly focusing on the popular dish ‘Shawarma’. The directive comes in response to a petition filed by the mother of a 16-year-old who lost her life in 2022 after consuming Shawarma.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, while addressing the plea, emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the importance of consuming such food items within a specified timeframe. The court directed the issuance of instructions to eateries to prominently exhibit the date and time of food preparation on packaging, whether served over the counter or through parcels.
The Food Safety Commissioner, Afsana Parveen, informed the court that consuming Shawarma beyond the recommended timeframe was a significant cause of accidents. She reported that ‘Shawarma Guidelines’ had been issued in September 2022, accompanied by an ‘Order of Ban’ in January 2023. Regular enforcement drives and inspections were conducted, resulting in notices and orders issued to eateries concerning parcel labeling and the mandatory mention of the specific date and time of manufacture.
Despite the ban on using raw eggs in the production and storage of mayonnaise, the court noted an incident of death due to Shawarma consumption after the ban’s issuance. The court acknowledged the Food Safety Commissioner’s efforts but emphasized the importance of making eateries and consumers aware of the potential risks.
The court decided to maintain the writ petition on file to monitor the implementation of orders, regulations, and circulars in the interest of public safety. In response to the petitioner’s allegations, the court directed the respondents to file a counter affidavit outlining their response, along with details of guidelines, orders, regulations, and actions taken against the eatery in question.
The court had initiated a suo motu case after the 16-year-old’s death and hospitalization of over 50 individuals linked to Shawarma consumption. The mother, seeking compensation of Rs. 1 Crore and strict compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, filed the present plea.
The case will be further considered on December 5.
