HC stays advisory on Ashwagandha

Bengaluru: The high court stayed the operation of an advisory issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and an Ayush ministry directive, restricting the use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves in food and health supplements.The interim order earlier this week by vacation judge Justice SR Krishna Kumar applies to Kerry Inc, an American company, and other petitioners who manufacture Ashwagandha-based health supplements.The petitioners said the April 16 FSSAI advisory was issued without amending the 2016 regulations, which they said was a prerequisite, and therefore fell outside the statutory authority.The petitioners added that enforcement of the advisory and the April 15 Ayush ministry directive would severely and substantially impact their businesses.