Nirapara ban: Kerala government not to appeal against HC order

A few days ago, it was reported that the Kerala government was likely to file an appeal against the High Court's order to lift the ban on popular spice powder brand Nirapara.

However, the latest reports suggest that the government will not file any appeal against the order and the spice powder products are expected to reach the markets soon. 

In September, Food Safety Commissioner TV Anupama had ordered a stop to manufacture, storage, sale and distribution of chilly, turmeric and coriander powders of Nirapara on charges of adulteration.

The usage of cheap starch powder in the products was cited as the major issue by the authorities. 

"In the present cases, the offender is repeatedly adulterating his products with cheaper substance – starch, for the purpose of making huge profit which amounts to cheating of customers. The analysis report of Food Analyst and Appellate Laboratory clearly indicate the presence of added starch in Nirapara brand spices powdered manufactured by KKR food products," reads the official order issued by the Food and Safety department, Kerala government.

It has to be noted that the authorities had sent many notices to the company under section 46 (4) of FSS Act related to similar cases in the past.

Following are the details available online about the notices and the fines imposed on the company for adulterating their products, collected from different parts of the state.