Alina
Beware of Adulterated Tea Powder
Rising Concerns Over Adulterated Tea Powder
Hyderabad: The Telangana Tea Merchants Association has issued a strong advisory to the public, cautioning against the sale and consumption of adulterated tea powder. With a surge in reports of spurious products, the association emphasized the health risks posed by these fake tea powders, which contain harmful chemicals.
Authorities Crack Down on Adulterated Tea
The advisory follows a major raid conducted by officials from the Food Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Central Zone Task Force. The raid targeted a warehouse owned by Konark Tea Powder Sales and Suppliers in Fatehnagar, leading to the seizure of 300 kg of adulterated tea powder, 200 kg of coconut shell powder, and other harmful ingredients. The confiscated materials were valued at Rs 2 lakh.
Arrests Made in Adulteration Case
During the raid, the police arrested three individuals: Bishoya Jagannath, the 32-year-old proprietor, and two of his workers, Pratap Pradhan, 21, and Sivswain Parida, 19. According to officials, Jagannath had been purchasing low-quality tea dust for Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg. He then mixed it with coconut shell powder, toxic chemicals, and artificial flavors, selling the final product for Rs 200-250 per kg as adulterated tea powder.
Repeat Offender in Tea Adulteration
This was not the first time Jagannath had been caught in such activities. The police had previously arrested him in connection with three similar cases related to food adulteration in Mominpet and Sanathnagar. Despite these arrests, he continued his illegal activities, demonstrating the persistence of the issue, noted Task Force DCP Y.V.S. Sudheendra.
Adulterated Tea Powder Sold in Hyderabad Markets
Shahed Dharvesh, President of the Telangana Tea Merchants Association, highlighted the widespread issue through a video message. He explained that adulterated tea powder is commonly sold to roadside tea vendors, who use it to increase profits. The low-cost, fake tea powder is sold for around Rs 80 per kg and is prevalent in busy markets such as Monda Market, Ameerpet, S.R. Nagar, Secunderabad, and Madhapur.
Health Risks of Adulterated Tea
According to Dharvesh, many roadside tea vendors opt for adulterated tea powder due to the high-profit margins, disregarding the serious health risks it poses. These powders often contain toxic chemicals that can harm consumers. On the other hand, the suppliers, motivated by greed, package these fake powders in branded boxes and distribute them to small traders in slum areas, reaping huge profits.
How to Identify Fake Tea Powder
To protect consumers from such harmful products, Dharvesh offered a simple method to test the authenticity of tea powder. He advised pouring a small amount of the tea powder into a glass of water. If the water turns brown within seconds, it is likely an adulterated tea powder, as genuine tea does not release color so quickly. This color change indicates the presence of added chemicals and dyes in the tea powder.
Public Urged to Report Adulteration
The Telangana Tea Merchants Association has urged the public to stay vigilant and report any instances of suspicious tea powder to the authorities. They emphasized the importance of taking action against those who manufacture and distribute adulterated tea powder, ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.
Need for Awareness and Action
The rise in adulterated tea powder cases has highlighted the need for stricter enforcement and consumer awareness. The association’s efforts aim to educate the public on the dangers of consuming such products and encourage them to verify the authenticity of the tea they purchase. The association also appealed to consumers to be cautious and make informed choices while buying tea, as the presence of fake products in the market poses a threat to public health.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Against Adulteration
The advisory from the Telangana Tea Merchants Association serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by adulterated tea powder and the importance of maintaining vigilance. With ongoing efforts by authorities to curb the distribution of fake products, consumers are encouraged to be proactive in identifying and reporting such issues to protect their health and well-being.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is intended for awareness purposes only. It highlights the issue of adulterated tea powder and the steps taken by authorities to curb its sale. Readers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of products and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
