FSSAI Rules On Artificial Food Colors
Source: Indian Express
GS II: Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; GS III: Food Agriculture- Food processing and related industries in India – scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
Overview
- Uttar Pradesh has tightened checks on food colours following concerns over the use of prohibited industrial dyes in street food and festive delicacies.
- Rhodamine-B and other non-food-grade dyes pose potential health risks, highlighting the need for safe food colouring practices.
- FSSAI regulates permitted food colours under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, while the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides the legal framework for enforcement.
- Regular inspections, improved laboratory testing, vendor training and consumer awareness are essential to prevent food adulteration and protect public health.
Why in the News?
The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has intensified checks on food colourings after detecting non-food-grade industrial dyes in chutney and raising concerns over prohibited colours in street foods and festive delicacies. The move highlights the need for stricter food safety enforcement and consumer awareness.
News in Brief
- Uttar Pradesh has issued guidelines restricting the use of artificial food colours in chutneys and advising vendors to use natural ingredients for colour and flavour.
- The guidelines prohibit Rhodamine-B and other industrial dyes in food products, including cotton candy, ice candies, chicken tikka, kebabs and fried fish.
- Prohibited dyes can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions and skin irritation to liver dysfunction and cancer risks, depending on the substance and level of exposure.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates permitted food colours under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
Uttar Pradesh’s Guidelines on Food Colours
- The Uttar Pradesh FSDA has introduced restrictions to prevent the misuse of artificial colors in street food.
- Key measures include;
- Chutneys: Vendors are advised to use natural ingredients such as tomatoes, beetroot and coriander to achieve the desired colour and flavour.
- Cotton candy and ice candies: The use of non-food-grade colours, particularly Rhodamine-B, is prohibited.
- Meat products: Industrial dyes cannot be used to give an attractive red or orange appearance to chicken tikka, kebabs and fried fish.
- Natural alternatives: Vendors have been encouraged to use food ingredients such as Kashmiri red chilli and degi mirch for colour and flavour.
- The guidelines aim to reduce the use of unsafe coloring agents in commonly consumed foods.
Rhodamine-B and other prohibited dyes
- Rhodamine-B is a synthetic dye used in certain industrial applications.
- It is permitted as a food color in India.
- Its bright pink or red appearance makes it attractive for adulteration, particularly inexpensive street foods and sweets.
- Other industrial dyes of concern include metanil yellow, butter yellow, malachite green, auramine, orange II, Sudan dyes.
- These substances may be used illegally to make foods appear brighter or more appealing.
- Their use in food poses potential health risks.
Health Risks of Prohibited food colors
- The health effects depend on the type of dye, the amount consumed and the duration of exposure.
| Substance or category | Potential health concerns |
|---|---|
| Rhodamine-B | Long-term exposure raises concerns about liver damage and carcinogenic effects; high exposure may cause acute toxicity. |
| Metanil Yellow and Butter Yellow | Industrial dyes associated with toxicity and potential organ damage. |
| Sudan dyes | Certain dyes in this group have raised concerns about genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. |
| Other prohibited industrial dyes | May cause adverse effects depending on their chemical composition and exposure levels. |
- Food adulteration is particularly concerning when the same products are consumed repeatedly or when consumers are unaware of the ingredients used.
- The presence of a prohibited dye does not mean every consumer will experience immediate symptoms.
- The risk depends on the substance and the level and duration of exposure.
Can artificial colors be used in sweets and cakes?
- Yes. Artificial food colours can be used in India, but only when they are approved for the relevant food category and comply with prescribed limits.
- Under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011:
- Only permitted colours can be used in specified food products.
- A colour approved for one category of food cannot automatically be used in another category.
- The quantity used must remain within the prescribed limit.
- Manufacturers must comply with applicable food safety requirements.
- For example, a colour permitted in a cake cannot automatically be used in bread or chutney.
- The safety assessment of a colour may also consider its consumption levels, stability during processing and the formation of potentially harmful by-products.
- Natural colors are not exempt from regulation; their use is also subject to applicable standards and conditions.
How widespread is the use of Rhodamine-B?
- Food safety officials have raised concerns about the use of Rhodamine-B by roadside vendors, particularly in smaller cities.
- The bright color can make food appear more attractive, but consumers may not be able to identify the presence of an industrial dye simply by looking at the product.
- This creates a challenge for food safety authorities, as unsafe coloring may continue without producing immediately visible symptoms in consumers.
- Regular inspections, testing and awareness campaigns’ are therefore necessary to prevent food adulteration.
What the law says?
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, provides the legal framework for regulating food safety in India.
- It empowers authorities to take action against unsafe and substandard food products.
- Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, penalties may include fines and imprisonment.
- The penalties for relevant violations may include fines of up to rupees 3 lakh and imprisonment of up to six months.
- However, the exact penalty depends on the specific offence and applicable provision of the Act.
Role of FSSAI
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is responsible for laying down science-based food standards and regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food.
- Its major functions include:
- Prescribing standards for food additives and colouring agents.
- Regulating the use of permitted colours in different food categories.
- Supporting food testing and monitoring.
- Creating awareness about food safety and adulteration.
- Coordinating with state food safety authorities for enforcement.
Challenges in ensuring food safety
- Informal food sector: Street vendors and small food businesses may operate with limited awareness of food safety requirements.
- Profit-driven adulteration: Cheap industrial dyes may be used to improve the appearance of food at a lower cost.
- Limited testing capacity: Identifying prohibited dyes requires appropriate laboratory facilities and regular sampling.
- Consumer awareness: Bright colours may be mistaken for indicators of freshness or quality.
- Enforcement gaps: Rules may exist, but effective implementation requires adequate staff, inspections and timely action.
Way Forward and Conclusion
Strengthen food safety through regular inspections, improved laboratory testing and strict penalties for the use of prohibited dyes. Training street vendors, promoting approved food colors and raising consumer awareness can help prevent food adulteration.
Effective enforcement of FSSAI standards, supported by public participation, is essential to protect public health and ensure safe food for all.
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