Plea for ban on Alloxan

Chennai: People fond of eating "parotta" or bakery items, including sandwiches made of white bread, might need to think twice before ordering their favourites next time. A public interest litigation (PIL) moved before the Madras High Court has alleged that Alloxan - a chemical - is mixed with the white flour or 'maida' which induces diabetes. The First Bench of Chief Justice S.K.Kaul and Justice M.M.Sundresh directed the Food Safety Commissioner to examine the allegation within three months and take action if it is found to be correct. Recently, K.Rajendran, a resident of Thethakudi South of Vedaranyam taluk approached the High Court seeking direction to the authorities to act on a representation he had made to ban mixing of Alloxan in the white flour. The petitioner alleged that the chemical is used on animals to induce diabetes in them for research purposes. Mr. Rajendran claimed that he filed an RTI application to know the truth whether the chemical was mixed in the flour. Since there was no response from the authorities, he was compelled to approach the court. Noting that the issue raised was important, the Bench said, " At this stage we only issue a direction to the authorities to examine the representation and if the allegation is found to be correct to proceed in accordance with law." ( Madurai edition of The Hindu, Tuesday, May 3, 2016 ) Courtesy : MPS