KOCHI: Imported wheat that was found to have fungal infection should not be distributed without the approval of food safety commissioner, the Kerala high court has ordered.
While issuing the directive, a division bench led by the chief justice said it is not possible to compromise in the matter of food safety and health. The court was considering an appeal filed by the state government regarding release of wheat imported by a private firm that was seized upon finding that it is not fit for use.
Kozhikode-based PK Roller Flour Mills had imported 20,000 tonnes of wheat from Ukraine through Kochi port in December last year. Food safety department had seized the wheat alleging that the wheat had fungal infection and is old.
Challenging the food safety department's action at the high court, the company had alleged that the wheat can be used after washing and drying it. A single bench had allowed for inspecting 20 tonnes of the wheat stored at a warehouse of the port after washing it. The company then sought a directive to shift the wheat to Kozhikode for washing. The court allowed such action to be carried out in the presence of an advocate commissioner.
During the hearing on the appeal filed by the food safety commissioner, state government contended that the wheat is not fit for human consumption and distribution of the wheat would create health problems.
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