For centuries ‘chai’ as a beverage has been deeply integral to our culture. As the second largest tea-producing country in the world[1] it goes without saying that it is one of India’s favorite refreshments transcending boundaries, cultures, and age groups. As one of the most preferred beverages, tea is manufactured and sold largely by multiple stakeholders, conglomerates and farmers across various regions, catering to a diverse taste palate.
But what if the very same cup of tea that you delight in, also contains harmful adulterants? According to reports from the Tea Board of India [2], unbranded loose tea may contain adulterants which can cause a range of health complications.
With busier lifestyles, adulteration in food is a growing menace that continues to affect many consumers these days. As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) annual report 2018- 19, the percentage of food adulterated has almost doubled, from 12.8% in 2011-12 to 28% in 2018-19 [3]and most Indian consumers still fall prey to adulterated food products unknowingly.
Prolonged consumption of such adulterated food products as tea could have adverse effects on our bodies. A common adulterant used in loose tea is artificial colorants. Tea leaves that are damaged and of inferior quality are often dyed with artificial coloring agents to pass them off as quality tea. Apart from spoiling the quality and taste of the product, several cases of severe health complications have been reported due to consuming tea mixed with such harmful coloring agents. 3
Kavita Devgan, Nutrition advisor for Tata Tea Gemini, speaking about the effect of adulteration in loose tea said, “The beneficial value of tea as part of one’s daily diet is well-known. However, despite consumers’ high awareness of the harmful effects of adultered tea, many may end up purchasing loose tea in the market for various reasons. The Tea Board of India recommends using tea with no color additives used, as adulterated tea could pose great health risks. This can easily be prevented by opting for quality products that are from a trusted brand like Tata Tea Gemini that is unadulterated and urges tea drinkers to recognize and stay aware of their choice for health and well-being.” In order to ensure safe food for citizens, FSSAI recommends a ‘Cold water Test’[4] to help consumers identify the purity of their preferred tea leaves at home easily. This includes adding a tablespoon of tea leaves to a glass of cold or room temperature water, mixing it steadily, and examining the change in color after a few minutes.
