The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed State Food Safety Commissioners to take strict action against food businesses found using the industrial dye auramine in food products. Auramine, commonly used in textiles and leather, is strictly prohibited under the FSS (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
According to an official order, the national regulator has received complaints indicating that auramine is being added to roasted chana and similar food items to enhance colour. In response, States have been directed to conduct targeted enforcement drives to eliminate the possibility of such harmful adulterants entering the food supply.
“Accordingly, the Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and Central licensing authorities shall initiate appropriate action against defaulting food business operators under their jurisdiction,” the order states. Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda, Executive Director, Compliance Strategies, FSSAI, emphasised that the presence of auramine in any food product renders it unsafe under Section 3(1)(zz)(v) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The order further calls for focused enforcement activities, including inspections, sampling, testing, and necessary follow-up actions across organised and unorganised sectors, as well as e-commerce platforms involved in the manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of such products. To support this initiative, FSSAI has designated four laboratories for auramine testing: Shiva Analyticals (India) Private Limited, Bengaluru; National Commodities Management Services Limited, Gurugram; Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad; and Eureka Analytical Services Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru (for processed foods).
