The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order on 28 November 2025 directing immediate and targeted enforcement action against the illegal use of the industrial dye Auramine in food products, specifically mentioning roasted Chana and other similar items.
Key Directives and Rationale
The order is based on the following facts and legal provisions:
FSSAI received complaints that Auramine, an industrial dye primarily intended for textiles and leather, is being illegally added to roasted Chana and similar foods to enhance color.
Auramine is a non-permitted synthetic food color under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
The presence of Auramine in any food product renders the product unsafe under Section 3(1)(zz)(v) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
Targeted Enforcement Action
Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS) of all States/UTs and Central Licensing Authorities are directed to initiate the following actions within their jurisdictions:
- Conduct targeted enforcement actions, including inspections, sampling, and testing.
- Focus on roasted chana and similar food products vulnerable to this type of adulteration.
- The action must cover manufacturers, processors, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale in the organized, unorganized sector, and e-commerce platform.
- Initiate appropriate actions against defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs).
Reporting and Testing
A consolidated ATR must be furnished to FSSAI within 15 days using the enclosed format (Annexure A).
FSSAI has provided a list (Annexure B) of 4 laboratories that have Auramine testing for cereal and cereal products within their NABL scope.