Tartrazine: Food Safety Officials Ban Sales, Manufacturing Of 'Mixture' In Kozhikode

The food safety officials in Kozhikode have imposed a ban on the popular snack mixture at certain shops in the district after the Food Safety Department discovered artificial coloring agent tartrazine in the Malayali’s favorite snack.

Though tartrazine is allowed in some products, its use in mixtures has been strictly prohibited. The prohibition was due to the potential health concerns stemming from the use of the artificial coloring that includes the allergic reactions. The tartrazin also causes urticaria, angioedema, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food intolerances, as per studies.

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The samples collected from Vadakara, Perambra, Koduvalli, and Thiruvambady circles showed the presence of the tartrazine. There will be legal action against the vendors involved in the production and sales of the adulterated mixutre, according to a report by Mathrubhumi. The media house mentioned the establishments affected by the ban. The shops include Harsha Chips on JT Road in Vadakara, Wake and Bake Bakery in Perampra, Happy Bakes in Koduvalli East, and Brothers Bakes and Chips in Mukkam.

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Moreover, the manufacturing of the mixture by Omassery Putur Riya Bakery has also been suspended. According to the food safety assistant commissioner, many traders are not aware of the regulations regarding the use of tartrazine, posing significant health risks for the consumers of large quantities of the mixture. For many, the snack is their first choice, along with a cup of tea.

Apart from being used in food items, the tartrazine is employed in the dyeing of wool and silk, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It also serves as an adsorption-elution indicator for chloride estimations in biochemistry.