FOOD INSPECTOR Vs. S RAMAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Coriander powder is commonly used in the preparation of food. It is available here in almost all grocery shops. When used it gives added relish and flavour to food. The controversy here is whether it is spice or not. It has arisen in a prosecution under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act. Coriander powder involved here was found to be adulterated. But the acquittal from which this appeal has arisen was on the ground that coriander powder was not "spice" coming under R.22(17) but was "other food" coming under R.22(37) of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, and so the sample sent for analysis did not contain the minimum approximate quantity of 200 grams necessary for proper analysis. If it is "spice" then the minimum approximate quantity necessary for proper analysis is only 150 grams and it is not disputed here that the sample sent in the instant case satisfies that requirement. Coriander powder comes in A. 05. 08. 01 in A. 05 under the heading "spices and condiments" in Appends B in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules The ordinary dictionary meaning of the word "spice" is any aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavour food In the new Revised Edition, 1973. of Chamber's Encyclopaedia, Volume 13, spices are mentioned as owing their aroma and pungency chiefly to essential oils which they 'contain and, to preserve these, it is said, spices should be freshly ground and stored in tins or boxes. Spices are yielded by different parts of plants. It is also said there: