300 kg tea adulterated with coconut shell powder seized in this city

For Indians, tea is not just a beverage, but a part of daily lifestyle routine, where people begin their day with a hot cup of tea. It not only refreshes the body, but also gives instant energy. But, what if this beverage becomes a reason for illness and you get to know that what you are drinking is not tea? Well, this is true. Scroll to find out the details.

As per the latest news report, Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety, along with the Central Zone Task Force of Hyderabad City Police, has seized 300 kilograms of adulterated loose tea powder in Fateh Nagar, Hyderabad. Three people, including the owner of the wholesale shop, have been arrested by the police too.

This move was taken under a large-scale tea adulteration operation, in which an inspection of the premises of M/s. Konark Tea on October 8, 2024 took place following a police tip-off that loose tea powder was being adulterated and distributed to tea stalls across the city.

Also Read: How to check the purity of tea leaves?

It has been reported that low-quality tea powder was mixed with coconut shell powder and toxic chemical essences. The proprietor of the establishment, Bishoya Jagannath, was operating a business under the name ‘Konark Tea Powder Sales & Suppliers’ in Fateh Nagar, and he had purchased low-quality tea powder from market suppliers at prices ranging from ₹80 to ₹100 per kilogram. And in order to maximise profits, he mixed the tea powder with coconut shell powder and toxic chemical essences and artificial flavouring. The adulterated tea powder was then sold in the market for ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram.

During the inspection, police seized a total of 300 kilograms of loose tea powder, 200 kilograms of coconut shell powder, and five kilograms each of non-food-grade red and orange colours. Also, artificial flavours including chocolate, cardamom, and milk were found at the site.

It is also reported that the adulterated stock, along with the non-food additives and tea powder samples have been sent for chemical analysis.

How to conduct tea adulteration tests at home?

Water Test
In this method, you have to add a teaspoon of tea leaves to a glass of water at room temperature. If the tea is pure, there will be no change in colour of water. If the tea leaves are adulterated, the colour will change to red.

Filter paper test
Take a filter paper and spread tea leaves on it. Sprinkle water to make the paper wet. Wash the filter paper under tap water. Observe the stains on the filter paper against light.
No stains will be observed on the filter paper with unadulterated tea leaves. The filter paper with adulterated tea leaves will have blackish-brown coloured stain on it.

Colour test
Make tea and observe the color of the brewed tea. Authentic tea should produce a clear and vibrant colour, while the adulterated one will reflect cloudiness or an unnatural colour due to impurities.

Solubility test
Add tea leaves in a glass of water. If it's pure, the leaves would not dissolve completely, they may swell but should not disintegrate into powder. However, adulterated tea might turn into powder in water.

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