Tatais known as one of India’s premium conglomerates. They have succeeded in leaving a mark in various industries. However, one of their most renowned products is their food-grade salt, which they refer to as “Desh Ka Namak” .
Even with such a venerable reputation, their name was dragged into a controversial matter recently. There were allegations all over social media. It was claimed that their food-grade salt has alarming levels of cyanide and was termed as “poisonous”.
This is not a first when such information almost accomplished in ruining the reputation of renowned brands. Earlier, Ashirvaad Ata, Cadbury and Kalyan Jewellers faced similar incidents as well.
Unfortunately, Tata Salt became the victim this time. Such fake news led to immense confusion and chaos among customers. To gain control over this situation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India or FSSAI stepped up and refuted against such information. They carried extensive research and ran tests on Tata Salt samples. The FSSAI clarified that this issue is not a matter of concern. Compounds of cyanides are permitted to be used as food additives. They act as anti-caking agents to prevent granulated ingredients from forming lumps in the product. However, their levels must be used within permitted limits.
To spread the clarified information, the FSSAI published their reports on the official Twitter account. They helped to resolve the undesirable situation of Tata Salt in the market. Further, it was also confirmed that ferrocyanides are allowed as food additives in many other countries, including China, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
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The European Food Safety Authority Panel re-evaluated the situation and concluded that ferrocyanides are not a matter of concern as long as the level remains within the authorised limit. Additionally, the American West Analytical Laboratories also clarified that the allegations against Tata Salt are false and their product is entirely safe.
With such scientific facts and pieces of evidence, there is no doubt in affirming the accusations as fake. Tata Salt has never been at fault when it comes to their manufacturing process.
Amit Rai – initial based in Mumbai Graduate student of Biotechnology. I used to write on different topics which I like most such as Health, Educational, and Tech.