Artificial colouring in tea

How to detect colouring in tea?

Test by the Consumer’s Association of Penang have shown that many of the cheap teas sold to coffee shop and drink stall operators contain artificial colouring that are harmful to health.

Of 11 samples tested, seven contained artificial colours, including Ponceau 4R, Carmosine, Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow. Both Ponceau 4R and Carmosine are known cancer-causing agents, while Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow are suspected carcinogens.

These chemicals can also cause asthma, allergies, runny nose, swelling and other effects.

CAP suggests a simple test to find out if the tea you’re drinking has been artificially coloured. If it is tea dust, take a pinch of it and rub between your thumb and forefinger. Artificially coloured tea leaves a bright stain when touched.

Another way to detect colouring in tea is to fill a clear glass with cold water and sprinkle tea on the surface. If the water changes colour immediately, the tea has been dyed.