Key Update

Banana chips are a staple on Kerala’s Onam tables, but this festive season, the Food Safety Department has raised concerns about the use of unauthorised colouring agents in banana chips and ‘sharkara varatti’ (jaggery-coated banana chips). During inspections in Idukki, officials collected samples of these popular snacks for laboratory testing and advised consumers to exercise caution when buying chips that appear excessively yellow.

While appearance alone cannot confirm the presence of an unauthorised colour, consumers can look for a few warning signs when choosing these festive favourites.

Is the Colour Too Yellow?

Naturally fried banana chips can range from pale yellow to golden brown, depending on the variety of plantain, slice thickness and frying process. However, chips with an unusually bright or almost uniform yellow colour may warrant caution. If the colour appears significantly more intense than traditionally prepared chips, ask the seller whether a colouring agent has been added. The Food Safety Department has specifically advised consumers to be cautious about excessively yellow banana chips.

Ask the Seller About Added Colours

One of the simplest precautions is to ask the seller whether the chips contain added colours and, if so, which colouring agent they have used. According to the Food Safety Department, some traders have said they add colours because customers prefer brightly coloured chips. Consumers can help discourage unnecessary colouring by asking for chips made without artificial colours.

Check the Smell and Texture

Colour is not the only factor to consider when buying chips. Fresh banana chips should have the characteristic aroma of fried plantain and cooking oil. Avoid products with a stale, rancid or unusual smell. Chips that feel excessively greasy, seem stale or leave an unpleasant aftertaste may also indicate poor-quality ingredients or old frying oil. These signs do not confirm colour adulteration, but they can help consumers avoid poor-quality products.

Be Careful With Sharkara Varatti Too

The same caution applies to sharkara varatti, another Onam favourite. The Food Safety Department in Idukki has also raised concerns about unauthorised colours in these jaggery-coated products. The deep brown coating of sharkara varatti should primarily come from the jaggery rather than an unnecessarily intense artificial colour. When buying packaged products, consumers should check the ingredient list for information about permitted colours.

What Consumers Should Remember

Consumers cannot confirm the presence of an unauthorised colouring agent simply by looking at or tasting banana chips. Laboratory analysis is required for confirmation. For now, consumers can choose reliable sellers, be cautious about unusually intense colours, ask whether colours have been added and check packaged products for proper labelling. This Onam, choosing traditionally prepared, naturally coloured chips can be a simple way to make a more informed food choice.

Source: Manorama