Experts Clear Tata Salt, Ward of Fake News Allegations 

“Tata”- the label itself says it all.

Tata Group is recognised as one of the most trusted names in multiple industry segments for various reasons. Their food-grade salt, which sells under the brand name of Tata Salt, is one of the primary products that helped them establish such a firm grip on the psyche of Indian consumers.

These days, reputation is compromised more than often and “fake news” has been a significant reason for such consequences. In this era of false information, it has almost become a norm to spread rumours.

Only this time, Tata Salt became the target. They were accused of adding alarming levels of cyanides in their product, and their food-grade salt was termed “unsafe for consumption.”

Related Story : Tatas battle misinformation campaign against salt brand

However, the truth was revealed in no time. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, also known as FSSAI, came into play and refuted these baseless allegations. Later, they confirmed that it is not cyanide but potassium ferrocyanide which is an essential ingredient and must be added in salts. Such compounds of ferrocyanide act as anti-caking agents, which prevent powdered ingredients from getting accumulated as lumps in the product. Potassium ferrocyanide (PFC) is permitted as a food additive, but there are specific limits that companies need to adhere to.

The European Food Safety Authority Panel re-evaluated the matter and concluded that potassium ferrocyanide is inert as long as the level remains within the stipulated limits. Furthermore, the American West Analytical Laboratories tests also indicates that ferrocyanide content in Indian table salt is way below the specified threshold.

Many renowned brands faced similar accusations earlier. Ashirvaad Atta, Kalyan Jewellers and Cadbury are some of those reputed names, who had their credibility dented because of “fake news.”

It needs to be ensured that no information is published unless it is confirmed authentic. In this case, if the FSSAI verified this information before it was published, the entire situation could have been avoided.

Now that all the pieces of evidence and reports are in favour of Tata Salt, it can be safely claimed that the allegations were incorrect. Their product is entirely safe and healthy.