Over four tonnes of adulterated tea dust seized; one arrested

The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department officials seized about four tonnes of adulterated tea dust from a distributor in Tambaram on Monday. A team of officials raided a godown where the stocks were kept ready to be supplied to various areas in the suburban localities.

A team led by A.Ramakrishnan, Designated Officer, Office of the Deputy Director of Health Services, Kancheepuram, based on a tip off, raided the godown, seized the stock stored in gunny bags, and arrested Ramu, 50, who was in-charge of the godown.

Earlier the officials had conducted checks at tea stalls and found the tea dust to be adulterated with colouring agents. The inferior quality tea powder was seized immediately, Mr. Ramakrishnan said.

Inquiries revealed that the consignments were sent from a godown in Tambaram and two agents were involved in this.

The officials said that this was one of the major haul of adulterated tea powder seized. The adulterant used could affect pancreas and kidneys. The link between the agents, suppliers and tea shop owners are under investigation, say officials.

According to the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the sample of the seized products had been sent for testing. On the outcome of the lab results, legal action would be initiated against the offenders, officials added.