Sasthamkotta: Though complaints have been raised over the rampant sale of fake tea powder, authorities are doing little to stop the racket.
A Chavara-based group has been selling these fake tea powders to retailers and hotel owners at half the market price.
Complaints have been raised that the fake tea powder is manufactured by roasting the outer shell of the cashew nut until they acquire a burned texture. These are then mixed with quality tea powder in the 50:50 ratio.
The adulterated tea powder is being sold in packets of 5kg and 10kg. Good quality tea powder fetches Rs 160 to Rs 180 per kilogram. With the sale of these fake powders, fraudsters make a profit of Rs 400 to Rs 500 from the 10kg packet. Banned colours are also added often.
Though it can lead to serious ailments, authorities are allegedly not taking stringent action. Though complaints were filed from various quarters, inspections are being held in a namesake manner. These fake powders are mostly used at tea shops and thattukadas (roadside eateries).
Retailers have also complained that they are being sold low-quality tea.
The food safety officer said that the inspections would be stepped up. It is possible to identify if colours are added to tea by putting some in a glass of water.
