Supreme Court: 'FSSAI failed to stop the use of pesticides in food items', notice issued to Center on appeal

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Center and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on a plea expressing concern over the use of pesticides and other chemical substances on food crops and food items.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra issued notice to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, and FSSAI in this regard.

The top court was hearing a petition filed by environmentalist and lawyer Akash Vashishtha, who said that consumption of pesticide-laden foods has become the primary cause of cancer and other fatal diseases across the country.

A significant number of deaths nationwide are allegedly being caused by the overuse and application of pesticides and other chemical pesticides on food crops and food items, as well as the coating and waxing of artificial colors, pulses, food grains, and other commodities.

The country's leading cause of cancer and other deadly diseases, according to the petition, is now eating foods contaminated with pesticides. In her appearance before the Supreme Court, senior advocate Anita Shenoy represented the petitioner, stating that the petitioner had gathered data from all over the nation that demonstrated a significant number of pesticide-related deaths.

“FSSAI has completely failed to curb and control pesticides and ensure food safety,” he said. "There is a direct scientific and medical link between pesticides and cancer and such cases are increasing across the country," Shenoy told the apex court.