KOCHI: The All-Kerala Anti-corruption and Human Rights Protection Council has raised concerns over the illegal import of cassia, a banned herb used to adulterate food items, through the Cochin Port.
“As many as 38 consignments of cassia, weighing a total of 6 kg, were imported illegally through the port, in violation of the Kerala High Court’s order prohibiting its sale,” said All-Kerala Anti-corruption and Human Rights Protection Council state committee member Leonard John at a press conference here the other day.
“Cassia costs only one fifth of cinnamon, and hence is illegally imported and sold in the local market at huge margins. One teaspoon of cassia contains five per cent caumarin, which can cause jaundice, purging, kidney/liver damage and even cancer.
“It is widely used to adulterate ‘masala’ powders, spices and ayurveda medicines, instead of cinnamon. Cassia has an intense aroma and dark colour, and therefore is used in masala/spice mixes, instead of expensive spices such as cardamom,” he said.
Leonard John further stated that a letter he had sent to various port authorities, including the Cochin Port, seeking details of the importer did not evoke any response.
He also asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Spices Board to furnish information regarding the illegal sale of cassia.
“Cassia costs only one fifth of cinnamon, and hence is illegally imported and sold in the local market at huge margins. One teaspoon of cassia contains five per cent caumarin, which can cause jaundice, purging, kidney/liver damage and even cancer.
“It is widely used to adulterate ‘masala’ powders, spices and ayurveda medicines, instead of cinnamon. Cassia has an intense aroma and dark colour, and therefore is used in masala/spice mixes, instead of expensive spices such as cardamom,” he said.
Leonard John further stated that a letter he had sent to various port authorities, including the Cochin Port, seeking details of the importer did not evoke any response.
He also asked the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Spices Board to furnish information regarding the illegal sale of cassia.
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