Illegal synthetic dyes in spices: a Singapore case study.
Food Addit Contam Part B Surveill
; 17(2): 142-152, 2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38600616
ABSTRACT
Some synthetic dyes are fraudulently added into spices to appeal visually to consumers. Food regulations in several countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan and the European Union, strictly prohibit the use of unauthorised synthetic dyes in food. Nevertheless, illegal practices persist, where spices contaminated with potentially carcinogenic dyes have been documented, posing potential health risks to consumers. In the present study, 14 synthetic dyes were investigated through liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 252 commercially available spices in the Singapore market. In 18 out of these (7.1%) at least 1 illegal dye was detected at concentrations ranging from 0.010 to 114 mg/kg. Besides potential health risks, presence of these adulterants also reflects the economic motivations behind their fraudulent use. Findings in the present study further emphasise the need for increased public awareness, stricter enforcement, and continuous monitoring of illegal synthetic dyes in spices to ensure Singapore's food safety.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Food Contamination
/
Spices
/
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Food Addit Contam Part B Surveill
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Singapore