Scientific Panel Considering Framing Regulations For Informing Consumers About Artificially Ripened Fruits & Vegetables: FSSAI To Delhi High Court

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has told the Delhi High Court that a Scientific Panel is considering framing a "comprehensive regime" to facilitate consumer's awareness about artificially ripened fruits and vegetables.

The submission was made in response to an earlier order directing FSSAI to consider framing a regime whereby fruits and vegetables which are ripened artificially by using ethylene gas or other artificial ripeners should have a "necessary indication" placed on them,

A proposal has been sent for active consideration in compliance of the directions issued on October 31, the FSSAI recently informed the division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav.

"The matters have been referred to Scientific Panel for consideration for framing of a comprehensive regime in compliance of the aforesaid direction. The necessary Regulations may be framed," a counsel representing the FSSAI told the court.

On October 31, a division bench of Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju had asked FSSAI to draw up a broad framework which takes into account all kinds of artificial ripeners so that the consumer is made aware that a fruit or vegetable has been ripened artificially.

As the matter was listed for compliance of the directions on November 30, the counsel appearing for FSSAI informed the court that necessary Regulations may be framed after the proposal is considered by the Scientific Panel.

"In view of the aforesaid, no further orders are required to be passed," the bench said.

The court had made the observations while disposing of two pleas filed by trading entities M/S M.M. Traders and M/S M.V. Traders that were aggrieved of the action of custom authorities who had detained their goods i.e. Ethephon (Ethrel) on the ground that a no objection certificate (NOC) was not obtained from the Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee.

Title: M/S. M.M. TRADERS v. COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS & ORS.

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