Harmful dye found in chili, turmeric powders

Harmful dye found in chili, turmeric powders

Published on Thursday, 22 November 2012 21:39

A large number of businessmen are using dye in chili and turmeric powders, which can be harmful to human gene and can even cause cancer, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA made the revelation after testing almost 1,000 samples of chili and turmeric powders collected from markets across the country.

The laboratory test found harmful dye in 175 out of 534 chili powder samples and 34 out of 430 turmeric powders samples.

The dyed powders were found in markets in Yangon, Mandalay, Ayeyawady, Sagaing, Baga and Taninthayi Regions, Nay Pyi Taw and Shan State.

The authorities later seized 20 kinds of chili powders and two items of turmeric powders from the markets.

On November 18, the health ministry warned people not to consume the 22 brands of chili and turmeric powders.

According to the authorities, the dyes used in chili and turmeric powders are Rhodamine B and Auramine-O.

Rhodamine B causes inflammation of intestine, nausea and vomiting while Auramine O causes damage to liver and kidney, slow body growth and cancer disease, said a health ministry report.

Expressing concern over the spread of dyed powders across the country, an official of Myanmar Agro-based Foodstuff Producers and Exporters Association demanded severe actions against the manufacturers of the hazardous products. He requested anonymity.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2012/11/23/harmful-dye-found-in-chili-turmeric-powders/