Port Blair, July 08: The Food Safety Department of A&N Administration has sounded a note of caution to the people about the instances of addition of artificial colour in tea dust & leaves by the traders. Consuming such tea can lead to cause ulcer, liver damage, kidney failure etc. and in view of such malpractices by the traders, the Food Safety Department has now started screening of all consignments of tea arriving from mainland at Haddo Wharf and only genuine tea consignments are released from the wharf.
Addition of artificial colour in tea can be easily detected by a common man. Pure tea releases colour only when it is added in heated or boiling water, whereas artificially coloured tea shall release colour without heating the water, the Director of Health Services, Dr. SK Paul, who is also the Commissioner, Food Safety said here today. Formation of ulcer in intestine, liver damage, kidney failure are the common health hazards due to the regular consumption of adulterated tea. Some colours or dyes used for colouring the tea are carcinogenic substances which may develop cancer, the Food Safety Commissioner added.
The Food Safety Department is regularly carrying out inspection of all food business establishments including petty shops and street food vendors. During the inspection, it was observed that some tea stall operators are using adulterated/artificially coloured tea leaves/tea dusts for preparing tea. Artificially coloured tea is injurious to health and sale of such tea is prohibited under FSS Act, 2006. During this year till the month of May, artificially coloured tea leaves were seized from 32 tea vending premises and a sum of Rs.21000/- has been recovered as fine by compounding the offence.
Meanwhile, the general public have been advised to be cautious while visiting tea stalls and if any suspected tea is found, the matter may be informed to the Commissioner of Food Safety, Directorate of Health Services or call over phone no.232797, the release added.
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