Pakistan SC bans 'Ajinomoto' salt

The Supreme Court ofPakistan(SCP) has ordered a ban on the sale, import and export of "Chinese salt" (Monosodium Glutamate) across the country, calling it as "dangerous to health."

The salt, popularly known asAjinomotoinPakistan, is used in various dishes and frozen foods to enhance the taste. The salt is made in China and is manufactured in the country.

A three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice ofPakistanMian Saqib Nisar, while hearing a case against the usage ofAjinomotosalt ordered the top authorities to implement the court's orders soon.

Justice Nisar urgedPakistanPrime MinisterShahid Khaqan Abbasito take up the issue in the cabinet.

The apex court was told that the country's three provinces including easternPunjab, northwesternKhyber Pakhtunkhwaand southernSindhhave already banned the condiment and are taking measures against its selling. It also took a suo motu notice of the issue after reports about its hazardous effects on human health were surfaced, The Dawn reported.

In January, thePunjabFood Authority had recommended banning the "Chinese salt" after tests found that the condiment was hazardous to its health by its scientific panel.

According to the findings of the panel, theAjinomotosalt is extremely hazardous for pregnant women and it can cause headaches, fatigue, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing and numbness of the face and hypertension.