Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department (TNFSD) has banned the sale of artificially colored appalams (papads) as it could lead to major health complications.
According to a report by DT Next, the ban specifically targets snacks made with synthetic food colours that give them bright shades such as green, orange, red, pink and yellow.
தமிழ்நாட்டின் உணவுப் பாதுகாப்புத் துறை, செயற்கை நிறமூட்டப்பட்ட அப்பளங்களின் விற்பனையைத் தடை செய்துள்ளது; இவை சிறுநீரக பாதிப்பு, புற்றுநோய் அபாயம், மற்றும் குழந்தைகளுக்கு ஒவ்வாமை போன்ற உடல்நலக் கேடுகளை விளைவிக்கும் என எச்சரித்துள்ளது.
The department stated that the products are usually sold in markets, tourist destinations and exhibition grounds to drag the attention of children and the papads made of synthetic food colours threatens public health. The government has asked the officials to carry out searches to ensure that the products are taken out of the market.
Eating artificially coloured papads would lead to kidney damage and increases the risk of cancer over time. The department further said that children could over time could suffer from allergic reactions and attention-related disorders.
“Artificially coloured papads can endanger public health. Parents should avoid buying such products for children and instead choose traditionally prepared varieties,” the website quoted the department as stating.
In the mean time, the dealers and sellers have been instructed not to sell the said papads in shops, markets, tourist spots, fairs, exhibitions, etc.
The department has asked the officials to take necessary action against violations under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
In a post on X, the Tamil Nadu government warned public not to consume the artificially colored appalams. The post read: “Are you guys buying and eating those store-bought appalams just because they look colorful? 🚫 The chemicals in them can lead to problems ranging from digestive issues to cancer. Switch to healthy options-choose our local rice and urad dal appalams!👍”
