The Tamil Nadu Appalam, Vadagam and Mor Vathal Association has welcomed the Tamil Nadu Government's awareness and enforcement measures aimed at ensuring food safety with regard to the use of artificial food colours. At the same time, the association has urged the government to protect the livelihoods of thousands of small and cottage-scale manufacturers by avoiding blanket restrictions on legally compliant products.
In a statement, the Association's State President, Dr. K. Thirumurugan, said that under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the use of permitted food colours is allowed in specified food products within prescribed limits.
He pointed out that reports creating the impression that "coloured papads are completely banned" or that "coloured papads should not be consumed" are misleading and could severely affect the livelihood of thousands of small, micro and cottage industry entrepreneurs who manufacture products in accordance with the law.
The association urged the government to clearly inform the public that papads prepared using FSSAI-approved food colours within the prescribed limits are not banned. It stressed that stringent action should be taken only against manufacturers who use prohibited colours or exceed the permissible limits specified by FSSAI.
The association also expressed concern over misleading information circulating on social media and in sections of the media regarding mor milagai (sun-dried buttermilk chillies) and vathal products. It said these reports have adversely affected producers, workers and traders in areas such as Poliyammanur in Oddanchatram taluk of Dindigul district, where families have been engaged in the traditional business for generations.
The association appealed to the government to conduct quality inspections, identify only those who violate food safety norms, and take action against them without affecting law-abiding manufacturers. It also called on the government to launch public awareness campaigns explaining the difference between permitted food colours and banned food colours.
Further, the association urged the government and the Food Safety Department to continue organising technical guidance programmes, quality standard training and awareness camps to support and safeguard small, micro and cottage industries.
"Food safety is essential, but so is the protection of livelihoods. Measures that strike a balance between both will benefit the public as well as the industry," Dr. K. Thirumurugan said.