Food adulteration is increasingly prevalent nowadays. Adulterants are often added to various products like rice, fruits, spices, butter, cheese, milk, and even mineral water to prolong their shelf life.
Seasonal fruits such as watermelon are not exempt from this issue. Recently, numerous videos surfaced online of netizens sharing how adulterants are used to enhance the sweetness and intensify the red colour of the watermelon pulp.
In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) shared that erythrosine, one of the most harmful dyes is frequently used in watermelons as food colouring. To mitigate the impact of this pink dye, the FSSAI has produced a detailed video demonstrating how to detect this adulterant in watermelons.
Health Side Effects of Erythrosine
According to PubChem, erythrosine, also known as Red No 3, is a synthetic red dye commonly used in food and pharmaceutical products to impart a bright pink or red colour. It is derived from coal tar and is part of the xanthene dye group. Erythrosine is often found in candies, baked goods, beverages, and some medications.
This morning I bought a watermelon and read this news while scrolling through Twitter. Then I cut the watermelon and rubbed cotton on it and it turned red. Is this watermelon made using chemicals? pic.twitter.com/D7IEhbBY6H
While erythrosine is approved for use in many countries, there are concerns about its potential health effects. Here are some known and potential side effects associated with erythrosine consumption:
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to erythrosine, including skin rashes, hives, and other hypersensitivity reactions.
- Hyperactivity: There is evidence suggesting that synthetic dyes, including erythrosine, may contribute to hyperactivity and behavioural issues in children. This has led to calls for more stringent regulations and labelling.
- Thyroid Effects: High doses of erythrosine can affect thyroid function. Specifically, erythrosine has been shown to cause thyroid tumours in rats when consumed in large amounts.
- Carcinogenic Concerns: Due to its potential thyroid effects, erythrosine has been classified by some health agencies as a possible carcinogen. This classification is based on animal studies and remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.
- Other Health Concerns: Other potential side effects include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting, especially when consumed in large quantities.
How to Identify Erythrosine in Watermelon
According to the FSSAI video, you can test for erythrosine by cutting the watermelon in half and dabbing a cotton ball on the pulp. If the cotton ball turns red, it indicates the presence of the chemical dye.
The FSSAI has also warned traders and food business operators against using the banned substance 'calcium carbide' for ripening fruits.
Are there any adulteration testing agencies in Bhopal? @fssaiindia? Bought watermelon in Bhopal and tested for chemical presence (cotton rub test)- it turned red instantly, indicating adulteration with the carcinogen chemical. Would be helpful if u take action. @DrMohanYadav51 pic.twitter.com/NNHxOb4YKT — Chandresh (@Chandudgr8) May 18, 2024
Regulatory Status Of Erythrosine
Due to these concerns, some regulatory bodies have imposed restrictions on the use of erythrosine:
- United States: The FDA has banned the use of erythrosine in cosmetics and externally applied drugs but allows its use in foods and ingested drugs within specified limits.
- European Union: The use of erythrosine is more restricted in the EU compared to the US, with specific limits set on its use in food products.
In an official statement, FSSAI emphasised that traders, fruit handlers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) managing ripening chambers must comply with the prohibition on calcium carbide, especially during the mango season. The FSSAI has instructed Food Safety Departments in states and union territories to stay vigilant and take stringent action against those engaging in such illegal practices under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations.