Auramine

Why in news?

India continues to face recurring episodes of chemical adulteration in food, one of the most persistent among them is auramine O, banned under Indian food-safety regulations.

• Auramine O – It is a synthetic yellow dye, produced from compounds such as dimethylaniline and formaldehyde.
  • The dye appears as yellow flakes or powder and dissolves easily when mixed with solvents.
• Used in – Industry, including textile and leather processing, printing inks, paper manufacturing, etc.
• Banned for food use – It is bright in colour, easily available and low-cost, yet remains unapproved for use as a food additive.
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – classifies auramine as a substance that is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Other adulteration - Metanil yellow, rhodamine B, Sudan dyes, Argemone oil, calcium carbide, urea, other mineral oil, chalk powder, etc.

• Commonly found in – Sweets, turmeric powder, and street food snacks, gives a bright yellow hue that looks more appealing to consumers.
• Effects –
  • Toxic effects – Range of health risks, including liver and kidney damage, enlargement of the spleen, mutagenic effects, etc.
  • Persistent exposure – Even small amounts consumed regularly can accumulate and cause long-term harm.
  • Children at risk – Brightly colored foods often target children, increasing vulnerability.
• Global context – In the U.S., EU, and East Asian nations classify auramine strictly as an industrial dye, and its presence in consumables triggers product recalls and import alerts.
• Findings from investigation in India – Despite a strong legal framework, weak enforcement, economic pressures, and fragmented supply chains allow banned dyes like auramine to persist in Indian food.
• Significance of violation – In India, food regulator bans the use of such dyes, but mix of informal trade, high demand, weak testing and limited awareness of safety standards allows these chemicals to circulate -
  • Leads to public health risks, erosion of consumer trust, regulatory strain, and structural weaknesses in the food economy.

References

1. The Hindu | Auramine in Indian food
2. Ground Report | Auramine