Karnataka HC stays FSSAI curb on Ashwagandha, relief for Kerry, Sami-Sabinsa & 6 others

The Karnataka High Court has stayed FSSAI's April 16 advisory restricting use of Ashwagandha leaves in food and health supplements, granting interim relief to eight companies including US-based Kerry Inc and Sami-Sabinsa. Petitioners argued FSSAI overstepped by curbing a 30-year-old supplement ingredient via advisory without amending regulations. Next hearing June 8.

— Source publishedWed, 20 May, 2026, 17:38 IST·First seen Wed, 20 May, 2026, 17:46 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Karnataka HC stayed an FSSAI advisory restricting Ashwagandha leaves in food and health supplements, granting interim relief to eight companies including Kerry

Key facts

  • 8 companies
  • 30 years
  • April 16 advisory
  • June 8 hearing

Why this matters

Valuations of Ashwagandha-exposed ingredient and supplement targets should rebound on the stay, opening a tactical window to negotiate deals before June 8 clarity potentially re-rates the category.