Myanmar teas recalled as unsafe for consumption
20 types of pickled tea leaves imported from Myanmar to Singapore have been found to be unsafe for consumption. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has detected the presence of Auramine O, a yellow dye used as an industrial colouring agent for coloring silk, cotton, paper and leather. This dye is not permitted for use in food and all products containing the dye have been recalled and will be destroyed. The move follows a ban by the Myanmar Health Ministry on 43 brands of pickled tea leaves which were found to contain the chemical dye instead of edible dye, which is said to cost 20 times higher than Auramine O. Exposure to toxic chemicals such as Auramine O can cause several negative effects on human health such as cancer and birth defects. (Channel NewsAsia, March 30)