Sunday, July 31 2005 13:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: Hyderabad: You may think twice before consuming processed foods for fear of synthetic food colours, which makes them attractive.

But that is not enough. You are still in the shadow of health risks as non-permitted colours being used in regular foods like sweets or dal could pose many health hazards, according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).

There is enough awareness now to subject food-processing industry to many quality checks. But the unorganised sector is still outside the realm of the quality control regime.

Consumption of such foods could sometimes lead to harmful effects due to colour additives, according to Padmaja R Jon Nalagadda of NIN, who conducted a case study along with Pratima Rao and Ramesh V Bhat.

Metanil yellow, a non-permitted colour, is a common adulterant in popular foods like laddoo, toor dal and turmeric.

Allergic reaction has been associated with some yellow/orange colours like metanil yellow, which are being added to foods.

"These reactions include urticaria (hives), rhinitis (running nose), nausea, vomiting and bronchial asthma in certain sensitive individuals," she said.

All non-permitted colours are mutagenic and most of them have been identified as potential carcinogens. They can even lead to acute food poisoning outbreaks, fatigue,giddiness, vomiting and cyanosis.

Those who consume laddoo and biryani coloured with metanil yellow are prone to toxic methemoglobinaemia with symptoms of vomiting, dizziness and stupor, the NIN scientists observed.

The use of non-permitted colours is found more in hard-boiled sugar confectionaries, bakery foods and miscellaneous foods.

The use of colour additives is on the rise in India due to growing demand for pre-cooked ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.

According to an estimate, the annual production of RTE foods in the organised sector in the country is more than 3,54,411 tonnes, not to speak of unorganised sectors which can be more than double the production in the organised sector.

The need of the hour is to ensure strict enforcement of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and consumer education programme to prevent excessive intake of permitted as well as non-permitted coloured food items, Padma said.