Now, tomato sauce samples found to be unsafe

BENGALURU: Love that tomato sauce? Read on. A report by the Food and Drug Safety Department has already revealed that harmful substances were found in the plastic used to make idli, artificial colours in fried peas and watermelons.

Now, tomato sauce samples collected by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have been found to contain hazardous chemicals. The chemicals used are sodium benzoate, which contains a high amount of salt, and artificial colours to make the sauce appear bright and red. These substances are known to affect the health of individuals.

The FSSAI had sent samples of tomato sauce for testing in February. The report revealed that the sauce contains hazardous chemicals. According to officials, consuming such sauce can lead to high blood pressure, fatigue and decreased patience and calmness in children. There is also a risk of loss of physical control.

The use of chemicals in food products has been a major concern, with previous cases of adulteration in food items like idlis, batata and watermelon.

Not just tomato sauce; even other food items like jaggery, potato chips and fried peanuts have been found to contain hazardous chemicals, according to Food Safety Department officials.