Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 23: In response to growing concerns over food safety, the Food Safety and Drug Administration department (FDA) has launched statewide inspections across hotels, messes, and bakeries. This comes after the strict regulation of plastic sheets in the preparation of idli and holige, which led to a surge in complaints regarding food quality.

Recent FDA raids have exposed widespread adulteration in tea powder, spices, and essential food ingredients. Officials revealed that low-quality and contaminated products were found in items like jaggery, oil, paneer, khoya, and tea powder.

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Mandya food poisoning triggers special inspections

The Mandya food poisoning incident, which claimed the lives of two private school students and left several others ill, has intensified food safety checks, especially near colleges and offices.

Shocking revelations: adulteration in tea powder and spices

FDA inspectors found alarming levels of contamination in tea powder. Reports indicate that low-grade tea leaves were being reused by drying previously brewed tea powder and mixing it with artificial colouring to enhance appearance.

Additionally, several commonly used spices were found to be contaminated with hazardous chemicals:

•    Turmeric: contaminated with Metanil Yellow, synthetic dyes, and lead chromate, all of which are highly toxic.

•    Chili powder: found to contain Sudan Red, a carcinogenic artificial color.

Severe health risks from contaminated food

FDA officials have warned that regular consumption of adulterated food can lead to serious long-term health complications.

•    Chemicals like Metanil Yellow, Lead Chromate, and Sudan Red can cause digestive disorders, liver and kidney damage, and even cancer.

•    Prolonged exposure may result in neurological issues, respiratory ailments, and weakened organ function.

•    In extreme cases, these harmful additives can trigger gastrointestinal diseases and chronic conditions like cancer.

With food safety at risk, authorities are intensifying their crackdown on adulteration and urging the public to remain vigilant about food quality.