Since it was found that artificial food coloring agent tartrazine had been used, the Kozhikode Food Safety Department has banned the production and sale of a well-liked snack mixture at select stores in the area.
Although tartrazine can be permitted in certain food items, its use in mixtures is prohibited due to potential health risks, including allergic reactions.
While it is an approved artificial food color, there are specific restrictions on its usage. Tartrazine can be used in a designated list of packaged food items, with prescribed limits. However, it cannot be used in freshly prepared food items.
Tested Samples
Tartrazine was detected in tests on samples taken from the circles of Vadakara, Perambra, Koduvalli, and Thiruvambady. Consequently, sellers who are engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of these tainted mixtures will face legal consequences.
The businesses impacted by the prohibition are Wake and Bake Bakery in Perampra, Happy Bakes in Koduvalli East, Brothers Bakes and Chips in Mukkam, and Harsha Chips on JT Road in Vadakara.
Furthermore, Omassery Putur Riya Bakery has stopped producing mixtures.
What is Tartrazine?
Tartrazine is a chemical that imparts a yellow colour to food items and is commonly found in products like ice cream, toffees, soft drinks, and chips.
In certain nations, including the US, Canada, and portions of Europe, its usage is restricted.
Although tartrazine can be used in some foods, it is not allowed to be used in mixes because of the possible health hazards, which include allergic responses.
Long Term Effect
There is still more research to be done on the long-term impacts of consuming synthetic colors.
According to certain lab research, tartrazine may damage DNA and induce oxidative stress in cells, which could result in diseases like the mumps, cellular deterioration, and cancer.
Long-term tartrazine use has been connected to cancer in rat research, however this has not yet been verified in human trials.
Date : 21 to 25 Oct 2024 (5 Days)
Time : 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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