SFA finds tea leaves with artificial colours and polyphenols

The Sindh Food Authority (SFA) has vowed to take action to prevent adulterated tea, as its campaign to identify dangerous adulteration in tea continues.

SFA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui said that during the sampling campaign of tea houses in Karachi, 110 tea leaves and 127 milk samples were collected from different areas.

Siddiqui said that 57 tea leaves were found to contain artificial colours and 72 polyphenols, while 54 milk samples were found to be adulterated as well. The samples were examined in the joint laboratory of the SFA and the University of Karachi, he added.

He said that 43 samples were collected from District South, with 27 tea leaves found to contain artificial colours and 19 milk samples found to be adulterated, while 16 samples were collected from District Korangi, with six tea leaves found to be adulterated and nine milk samples found to be substandard.

He also said that seven samples were collected from District West, with three milk samples found to be adulterated, while 13 samples were collected from District Keamari, with seven tea leaves found to be adulterated in colour and six milk samples found to be substandard.

Sixteen samples were collected from District East, with five tea leaves found to be adulterated in colour and five milk samples found to be adulterated, while 16 samples were also collected from District Malir, with nine tea leaves found to be adulterated and 10 milk samples found to be of poor quality, he added.

The DG said that 12 samples were collected from District Central, with three tea leaves found to be adulterated in colour and two milk samples found to be adulterated. He said that no negligence would be tolerated in providing safe and quality food and beverages to residents. “The authority will take strict action against those who commit adulteration.”