From tea powder to spices: Daily food items adulterated with harmful chemicals in Bengaluru – The Times of India
Adulteration of daily food items has become a common phenomenon. From milk to paneer and turmeric to cooking oil, every other item is being adulterated, posing a threat to human health.
After 54 idli samples were found unsafe in Bengaluru due to the use of plastic sheets while steaming and introducing carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances in the dish, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) recently found adulterated tea powder and common spices in the city. As a result, the FDA has launched statewide inspections targeting hotels, messes and bakeries.
Also Read: 54 idli samples adulterated with cancer-causing plastic in this city
As per a news report by The New Indian Express, the officials have found adulterated spices being used in food preparations and also found substandard ingredients in items such as jaggery, oil, paneer, khoya and even tea powder.
The officials have stated in the national daily that tea powder is being adulterated with low-grade tea and previously brewed tea leaves being dried and coloured with artificial dyes to restore their appearance. The report duly states that many shops do not mix brewed tea leaves with other waste, instead dry and reuse them.
It is also found that many vendors are preparing dishes with adulterated spices. Turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder are among the most commonly adulterated due to their high demand and powdered form, making it easier to mix in impurities undetected. The officials have mentioned that turmeric is often mixed with metanil yellow, a synthetic dye, or lead chromate to enhance colour, both of which are harmful. Similarly, chili powder is adulterated with artificial colours like Sudan red, a known carcinogen.
Side effects of consuming used tea leaves
As per the report, there are vendors reusing tea powder by drying them. It is said that once tea leaves of powder are used, reusing them lead to food poisoning, stomach infections, or allergic reactions. Also, re-steeping dried tea leaves for too long can increase tannin content, leading to a bitter, astringent taste. And, if the tea leaves contain pesticides or artificial flavoring, reusing them multiple times can release harmful chemicals into your tea. And it is said that while caffeine content decreases with each brew, some leaves still release residual caffeine, which might lead to jitters, restlessness, or insomnia if consumed excessively.
Side effects of consuming metanil yellow in spices
The report mentioned that powdered spices are mostly adulterated with metanil yellow, lead chromate, and Sudan red. If we talk about the side effects of these adulterants, metanil yellow is a synthetic dye which is mostly used in turmeric powder, sweets, pulses and soft drinks. And it can damage the nervous system, leading to memory loss, mental confusion, and impaired coordination. Long-term exposure to this chemical may cause liver damage and kidney dysfunction. Also, it is suspected to be cancer-causing when consumed over time.
Side effects of consuming lead chromate in spices
As far as lead chromate is said, it is a toxic heavy metal compound and is commonly used in turmeric and chilli powder. It can cause anemia, headaches, and muscle weakness. When accumulated in kidneys, it can lead to kidney failure and long-term exposure increases the risk of cancer and organ failure.
Side effects of consuming Sudan Red in spices
And Sudan Red is an industrial dye, which is linked to liver, bladder, and stomach cancer. It can cause skin rashes, respiratory distress, and eye irritation. It may disrupt endocrine function, leading to fertility issues.
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