High Court bans junk food in plastic in Himachal Pradesh; industry calls it 'harsh'
Updated: Dec 27, 2013 05:04:33pm
Shimla, Dec 27 (KNN) In a judgement, which will have far-reaching impact on small scale industries and the tourism sector in the state, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued direction upholding the ban on the sale, supply and storage of junk food packaged in plastic/non-biodegradable material.
However, sale of drinking water is exempted from the ban.
The High Court vacated its stay on an earlier notification of the state government, which had slapped ban on packaging of items like potato chips, wafers and other junk food.
The court said that the state government’s order of June, 2013 should be strictly enforced.
The government had issued a notification on June 26 banning sale and stocking of 25 food items, including chips and biscuits, which are available in plastic and non-biodegradable packs. The notification came in the wake of the January 10 High Court order directing the government to ban items packed in plastic packaging from April 1.
However, the industries in the state have described court’s judgement as ‘harsh’ especially for the goods where no packaging material other than plastic is available.
“The Honourable High Court’s order is very harsh specifically for the products for which there are no alternate options,” said Senior Vice President, BBN Industries Association, Sanjay Khurana from Baddi.
“But, we need to examine the concerns of the court and the ways through which industry can address the concerns,” Khurana added.
From March 31, as per the court order, milk and milk products, edible oils/fats, fruits, vegetables and meat products will be manufactured, transported, sold, packaged and distributed as per the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging & Labelling) Regulation, 2011.
The court directed the state to lay down norms as per Section 3A of the HP Non-biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, within 12 weeks and implement Section 7 of the said Act in order to determine new non-essential food items, which are required to be manufactured, transported, sold, packaged and distributed in biodegradable material by constituting a committee comprising officers not below the rank of the Principal Secretary.
The court gave the government 12 weeks to ensure that the necessary by laws are incorporated in Municipal Corporation Rules, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat Rules. (KNN/SD)
However, sale of drinking water is exempted from the ban.
The High Court vacated its stay on an earlier notification of the state government, which had slapped ban on packaging of items like potato chips, wafers and other junk food.
The court said that the state government’s order of June, 2013 should be strictly enforced.
The government had issued a notification on June 26 banning sale and stocking of 25 food items, including chips and biscuits, which are available in plastic and non-biodegradable packs. The notification came in the wake of the January 10 High Court order directing the government to ban items packed in plastic packaging from April 1.
However, the industries in the state have described court’s judgement as ‘harsh’ especially for the goods where no packaging material other than plastic is available.
“The Honourable High Court’s order is very harsh specifically for the products for which there are no alternate options,” said Senior Vice President, BBN Industries Association, Sanjay Khurana from Baddi.
“But, we need to examine the concerns of the court and the ways through which industry can address the concerns,” Khurana added.
From March 31, as per the court order, milk and milk products, edible oils/fats, fruits, vegetables and meat products will be manufactured, transported, sold, packaged and distributed as per the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging & Labelling) Regulation, 2011.
The court directed the state to lay down norms as per Section 3A of the HP Non-biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, within 12 weeks and implement Section 7 of the said Act in order to determine new non-essential food items, which are required to be manufactured, transported, sold, packaged and distributed in biodegradable material by constituting a committee comprising officers not below the rank of the Principal Secretary.
The court gave the government 12 weeks to ensure that the necessary by laws are incorporated in Municipal Corporation Rules, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat Rules. (KNN/SD)
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