Preparation Date & Time Must Be Displayed on Food Packaging: Kerala HC After Girl Died Eating Shawarma

In a significant step towards safeguarding consumer health, the Kerala High Court has mandated that eateries prominently display the date and time of food preparation on packaging, regardless of whether the food is consumed on-premises or delivered. This directive stems from a petition filed by the bereaved mother of a 16-year-old girl who lost her life in 2022 after consuming ‘shawarma.’

Justice Devan Ramachandran, heading a single bench of the court, underscored the crucial role of consumer awareness in adhering to food consumption timelines. To ensure strict compliance with these guidelines, the court directed the Food Safety Commissioner, Afsana Parveen, to regularly monitor and enforce their implementation.

Eateries found to be in violation of these regulations will face appropriate consequences, the court warned. Commissioner Parveen apprised the court of the ‘Shawarma Guidelines’ issued by the department, which outline comprehensive measures undertaken by the state government to uphold food safety standards. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and safeguard the well-being of consumers patronizing the food service industry.