The Karnataka High Court has granted an interim stay on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) advisory that barred the use of ashwagandha plant leaf products and the juice of its leaves or roots in food preparations.
FSSAI had said only the ashwagandha tuber (commonly referred to as amukkara kizhangu) and products derived from it are permitted for food use. Citing a report of the Union Ministry of AYUSH, the regulator stated that ashwagandha leaves contain higher levels of certain chemical compounds and warned of possible harm to the liver, stomach and nervous system.
The advisory also directed state food safety authorities to take action if the prohibited leaves were used in food, and reminded manufacturers to disclose ingredients on labels, warning of action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for violations.
The move triggered concern in a market where ashwagandha has significant demand, affecting cultivators, extract makers and AYUSH-linked manufacturers. Challenging the advisory, Sami-Sabinsa Group Ltd and Kerry Inc filed petitions before the High Court.
Before Justice Krishnakumar, the petitioners argued that they have been making ashwagandha-based products for about 30 years without serious safety issues, and that a ban cannot be imposed through an advisory without formally amending the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2016. Seeking time to file objections, FSSAI’s counsel requested an adjournment, after which the court stayed the advisory and posted the matter to June 8.
