THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 16-year legal battle over toddy strength has ended with Kerala revising the permissible alcohol content in the popular coconut palm beverage to 8.98% v/v, replacing the 2007 cap of 8.1% that triggered prolonged litigation.The decision comes after a SC directive on May 1 last year in a special leave petition filed by Komalan, a former toddy shop licensee.The 2007 limit, imposed citing public health concerns, sparked a legal fight beginning with a Kerala HC writ petition and culminating in the apex court. SC asked the state to conduct a scientific study and revisit its policy. Komalan cited a Kerala University study recommending a 9.59% limit. The state initially rejected that, warning higher levels could indicate adulteration with spirit or arrack. The chief chemical examiner and Bureau of Indian Standards backed the 8.1% cap, while research by Coconut Research Institute’s former director R Child showed toddy could naturally reach 8.1% after 33 hours of fermentation.An expert panel later reviewed samples statewide and global literature. It recommended the 8.98% limit, now adopted. A gazette notification is expected soon. The decision is seen as a boost to the traditional toddy sector.
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