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Is The Tea You Drink At Home? Here Are 2 FSSAI-Approved Way You Can Try At Home
Is The Tea You Drink At Home? Here Are 2 FSSAI-Approved Way You Can Try At Home
Tea is loved by everyone! It doesn't really matter who you are, where you belong, or what you do, tea has a special place in all our hearts, especially in India. It's one thing that unites us all!
However, the problem arises when the quality of tea is compromised or manipulated. To help consumers ensure the tea they drink is safe, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has shared some simple at-home checks that can help detect common forms of adulteration.
Why Are Quality Checks Important?
Tea might seem harmless, but it's easier to manipulate than most of us realise, and we often drink it without a clue. Some sellers try to make up for poor-quality leaves by adding artificial colours to make the tea look richer, mixing in extra particles to bulk it up, or even recycling used leaves after recolouring them. In some extreme cases, tiny metal bits, like iron filings, are added just to mimic the look and feel of real tea. Loose, unpackaged tea is particularly vulnerable, which is why keeping an eye out for adulteration and ensuring quality checks is so important, because what ends up in your cup really matters.
Simple Ways To Check If Your Tea Is Adulterated:
Filter Paper Test
This method helps detect whether tea leaves have been treated with artificial dyes or colouring to make them look more appealing. The FSSAI recommends this test to check for reused tea leaves that may have been dried, recoloured, and resold.
To perform the test, place a small pinch of dry tea leaves on a piece of white filter paper, blotting paper, or even plain tissue. Add a few drops of water to the leaves, wait for about a minute, and observe the paper.
If the tea is natural, the colour will gradually release. But if artificial colour has been added, the paper will show a fast, spreading stain. Uneven or patchy staining is also a warning sign of adulteration.
Magnet Test
Another test suggested by FSSAI checks for iron filings, which are sometimes mixed into tea to increase its weight or make it look darker.
To try this test, spread a small amount of tea leaves on a flat plate or even a sheet of paper. Take a clean magnet and gently move it over the tea leaves. Don't press the magnet into the leaves, just hover or lightly skim the surface. If you notice tiny black or grey particles sticking to the magnet, it could be a sign of iron filings or other metallic contamination in the tea.
These checks are only meant to help consumers spot obvious red flags. They are simple screening tests, not lab tests, so a negative result doesn't guarantee the tea is completely pure. They also can't detect pesticides, microbes, or reused tea leaves with certainty. If you suspect adulteration, it's best not to consume the product and to report it through official food safety channels.
Other Tips To Help You Be Aware While Buying Tea
Home tests can be helpful, but it's equally important to be careful at the time of purchase. Always choose sealed, branded packs that clearly display an FSSAI licence number. Avoid buying tea that is sold loose or unpackaged, especially if there is no information about its source or quality.
Don't judge tea leaves by colour alone. Very dark or unnaturally uniform-looking tea can sometimes be a red flag. Aroma and freshness matter far more than colour. Also, if the price seems unusually low, no matter how tempting it looks, it's better not to buy it.
After purchasing, proper storage is just as important. Keep tea away from strong odours, moisture and also metal containers that may corrode. Always remember that a little awareness can go a long way!
Source: News18
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