Key Development

Roasted chana or chickpeas are a favourite snack across India. But a food safety raid in Uttar Pradesh has raised alarm after officials in Gorakhpur seized 750 sacks of chana allegedly adulterated with synthetic dye used in textiles and paper. The discovery has triggered serious health concerns, as authorities warned that consuming such chemicals can severely harm health, including causing liver and kidney damage.

Synthetic Yellow Dye Detected in Large Quantities

The Food Safety Department in Gorakhpur confiscated the chickpeas during a raid at a warehouse located under the Rajghat police station limits. Each sack reportedly weighed 40 kg. Officials said the consignment had arrived from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of a synthetic yellow dye in large quantities. Officials clarified that this dye is strictly meant for industrial use in textiles and paper manufacturing and is unsafe for human consumption.

Serious Health Risks for Consumers

Food safety officials warned that prolonged consumption of synthetic dye can damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys and mayeven increase cancer risk. They added that children and pregnant women face higher health risks from such adulterants. Authorities have banned the sale of the seized chickpeas and announced strict action against the suppliers. Officials will cancel the licences of those found responsible, while investigators continue efforts to trace the supply chain involved in the adulteration.

Statewide Drive to Curb Food Adulteration

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), Uttar Pradesh, has launched a statewide enforcement drive to detect similar cases of food adulteration. Officials urged consumers to stay alert and report any suspicious food products to authorities.

Source: NDTV