FDA Clarifies Rules on Tea Colors: What You Need to Know

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that certain color additives in teas are permissible and advised consumers to always check for FDA approval on product labels. While it's safe to enjoy a cup, the FDA recommends moderation to avoid excessive intake, suggesting teas with a natural appearance.

 

On February 10, Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, FDA Secretary General, addressed online concerns regarding the use of Yellow No. 6, also known as Sunset Yellow, in teas. He explained that this color is commonly added to pre-mixed teas, alongside flavors.

 

The law allows a maximum of 100 milligrams of Yellow No. 6 per kilogram in ready-to-drink tea, ensuring safety as per World Health Organization guidelines. While these limits are internationally recognized as safe, overconsumption remains a concern.

 

Dr. Surachoke mentioned ongoing studies on synthetic food colors potentially influencing attention deficit disorders in children, although no concrete evidence has been found thus far.

 

 

When buying packaged tea, it's crucial to look for the FDA number along with the manufacturer or importer’s name and the ingredient list to ensure safety and authenticity. Natural teas, typically composed of tea leaves or powder, won't list added colors or sugars.

 

In contrast, pre-mixed teas with added ingredients will have labels noting artificial or natural colors, often detailed with INS numbers or names like Sunset Yellow. Consumers should ensure their brewed tea has a natural look, steering clear of vividly bright colors.

 

For extra assurance, choose lighter-colored drinks at cafes or shops, avoid excessive daily consumption, and diversify your beverage choices for well-rounded health safety, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-11

 

 

[realfunster]

The OP prompted me, as a tea drinker, to do a little digging.

 

Apparently, the Thai tea I regularly consume gains its famous orange hue from food colourings. No great surprise there.

The label for 👍 tea (if you know, you know) shows "INS110" as an ingredient = sunset yellow additive, as mentioned in the OP.

 

If you buy Thai tea in the EU, the sunset yellow additive is removed and so, it is a standard tea colour.

This is due to some EU concerns over INS110 and the "activity and attention of children".

 

Maybe our future will be non-orangey Thai tea...