Recent concerns over the safety of major Indian salt brands have been refuted by regulatory and industry bodies, including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Allegations claimed that some salt brands contained alarming levels of potassium ferrocyanide (PFC), but both organizations have confirmed that the salts are well within safety limits.
FSSAI’s Statement on Potassium Ferrocyanide LevelsThe controversy began when claims surfaced that potassium ferrocyanide, an anti-caking agent used in the production of salt, was present in dangerously high levels in some popular Indian brands. The FSSAI quickly addressed these concerns, stating that potassium ferrocyanide is safe for consumption at levels specified by Indian and international food standards.The FSSAI tweeted, "Ferrocyanides are used as anti-caking agents in processing of salt and are safe for consumption. Test reports quoted in media have shown its presence well within the limit of 10 mg/kg, as specified by FSSAI." This limit is lower than the 14 mg/kg allowed under Codex Alimentarius, the international food safety guidelines.
Indian Medical Association Supports FSSAIThe Indian Medical Association (IMA) also backed the FSSAI's statement, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm regarding the consumption of salt brands available in the market. The IMA confirmed that the levels of potassium ferrocyanide in Indian salt brands are far below the permissible limits and pose no health risks.
Controversy Sparked by AllegationsConcerns initially arose when Shiv Shankar Gupta, Chairman of Godhum Grains & Farm Products, claimed that potassium ferrocyanide levels were dangerously high in well-known brands like Tata Salt. His claims were based on test results from American West Analytical Laboratories (AWAL), which reportedly found levels of 4.71 mg/kg in Sambhar Refined Salt, 1.85 mg/kg in Tata Salt, and 1.90 mg/kg in Tata Salt Lite.However, AWAL has since distanced itself from these claims, stating that they do not report on potassium ferrocyanide levels and do not release such information to third parties without permission from their primary client.
Tata Salt Responds to AllegationsTata Salt, one of the brands implicated in the controversy, issued a statement reaffirming the safety of its products. The company said, "The recent allegations made against the purity and health benefits of Tata Salt are totally false and misleading, being made by vested interests." Tata Salt emphasized that its products are manufactured in compliance with FSSAI guidelines, which are some of the most stringent in the world.
ConclusionWith reassurance from both FSSAI and the IMA, consumers can be confident in the safety of major Indian salt brands. The use of potassium ferrocyanide as an anti-caking agent is within the approved safety limits, ensuring that salt sold in India is safe for everyday consumption.
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