Presence of tartrazine: Ban on sale, manufacture of 'mixture' snacks in Kozhikode

Kozhikode: The Food Safety Department in Kozhikode has imposed a ban on the sale and manufacture of a popular snack mixture at certain shops in the district after discovering that tartrazine, an artificial food colouring agent, had been added to it. 

While tartrazine can be permitted in certain food items, its use in mixtures is strictly prohibited due to potential health risks, including allergic reactions.

Tests conducted on samples collected from Vadakara, Perambra, Koduvalli, and Thiruvambady circles revealed the presence of tartrazine. As a result, legal action will be taken against vendors involved in the sale and production of these tainted mixtures.

The establishments affected by the ban 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. Additionally, the production of mixtures by Omassery Putur Riya Bakery has been halted.

What is Tartrazine?

Tartrazine is a widely used colouring agent globally, primarily for achieving a bright yellow hue. It can also be combined with Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue 1, E133) or Green S (E142) to create various shades of green. In addition to its role as a food colourant, tartrazine is employed in the dyeing of wool and silk, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Moreover, it serves as an adsorption-elution indicator for chloride estimations in biochemistry. Food Safety Assistant Commissioner A. Zakir Hussain noted that many traders may be unaware of the regulations surrounding tartrazine, which poses significant health risks, particularly for those who consume large quantities of such mixtures.