TRICHY: It seems adulterated tea powder is still being widely used at several outlets in Trichy and Perambalur districts as efforts to trace the source of spurious stuff have so far failed. Food safety wing which conducted raids at some tea shops recently had found adulterated tea powder at a few shops.
Food safety wing officials also claimed that they have information that sub-standard tea powder is used in Manapparai which is on the outskirts of Trichy. "We have been trying to find out the manufacturers of such stuff. But they are operating secretly. We take our best effortsto stop spurious stuff from entering into Trichy district," said Dr A Ramakrishnan, designated officer of the food safety wing in Trichy.
Around 100 kg of adulterated tea powder was seized at Paadalur on Trichy border by the food safety wing in Perambalur district last week. They were found at some shops, including that of a tea powder distributor.
Tea-shop owners eyeing high margins use adulterated powder that harms tea drinkers. Last month, the food safety wing shad raided tea shops in Srirangam and seized sub-standard tea powder. Though, officials tried to find out the manufacturer, its origin remains a mystery.
"Acting on a tip-off we seized the adulterated tea powder. Preliminary tests confirmed the use of dye and iron fillings in tea. However, the concerned people challenged our tests claiming that they have original tea powder. We have taken samples and sent them for lab testing. Based on the lab reports, legal action will be initiated against them," said Dr A Pushparaj who is the designated officer of the food safety wing in Perambalur.
Consumption of adulterated tea will cause adverse health consequences in the long run.
Meanwhile, Dr Pushparaj advised people to take care and try to consume safe products.
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