FDA bans unsafe ‘New Fast Tea’ batch

Srinagar, Aug 1: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu and Kashmir, has prohibited the sale and distribution of a batch of “Dust Tea (Premium Instant Mix Tea)” marketed under the brand “New Fast Tea” after laboratory tests declared the product unsafe.

The affected product is Batch No. 10, packed by M/s INAAM Tea Agency, Thane, Maharashtra. The sample was collected by the Food Safety Officer, Tral, on June 27 during routine enforcement and sent to the National Food Laboratory (NFL), Ghaziabad, for analysis.

According to the Food Analyst’s report, the sample contained the prohibited synthetic food colours Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow, rendering it unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations.

Following the laboratory findings, the Designated Officer (Assistant Commissioner), Pulwama, issued a prohibition order under Section 36(3)(b) read with Section 18(1)(f) of the Act, barring the sale and distribution of the affected batch in the district. Further regulatory proceedings have also been initiated.

The FDA has advised consumers possessing the specified batch not to consume it and urged them to report any sale or distribution to the concerned authorities.

The department appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report unsafe, adulterated or misbranded food products through the toll-free helpline 104 or the FDA’s official email.