Mangaluru: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cautioned the general public about the colour adulteration in unbranded tea powders available in the local market.
A press release from the FSSAI stated that though the FSSAI permits the use of certain synthetic colours in specific food items, tea is not included in the list. This has become a matter of serious concern these days. The treatment of tea with various colouring substances comes under the category of adulterants.
Tea has high amounts of naturally occurring anti-oxidants. However, very few people know that locally available unbranded tea is often adulterated with impurities like artificial colours that is harmful to the health of the people. So it is advised to be cautious when buying and consuming tea. A simple test of adding the tea powder to cold water, can help identify the impurities that dissolve and release into the water, the press release explained.