Beware! The tea you are drinking might not be safe

Imagine starting your day with a cup of tea, but what if that soothing morning ritual is tainted with more than just warmth and flavour?

In a shocking revelation, the Federation of All India Tea Traders Association (FAITTA) has disclosed the presence of artificial colouring in tea leaves from various brands. The disclosure was made during the 9th Annual General Meeting of FAITTA, where concerns were raised about the potential health hazards associated with consuming chemically treated tea products.

Banajit Dasgupta, Senior Advisor of FAITTA, expressed grave concerns about the findings, stating, “The samples of the tea packets have been examined, and we have noticed that there is the added colouring – these are chemical colours that can be found in both packaged and loose tea. These are not natural colours, and their addition goes against the regulations set by the Food Safety authorities. The use of such additives is not only harmful to health but also misleading for consumers.”

Tea has been a cornerstone of the region’s economy and culture for centuries, and this scandal threatens to undermine the trust consumers have placed in the authenticity and quality of Assam tea products.

The use of artificial colouring in tea products is also in direct violation of food safety regulations, as Banajit Dasgupta highlighted. “Food Safety regulations have banned the addition of colours to tea, precisely due to their harmful effects on health.”

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