Auramine in Chana: Cancer Risk & How to Test at Home
Auramine in Chana: Cancer Risk & How to Test at Home
Roasted chana (gram) in some markets has been found adulterated with Auramine, a bright yellow industrial dye used in textiles and leather. Auramine is carcinogenic (cancer‑causing) and strictly banned in food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
It is allegedly added to make chana look shiny and yellow.
You can check for adulteration at home with simple tests like soaking in water or rubbing on a white cloth.
What is Auramine?
Auramine O is an industrial dye, not a food color.
Used in textiles, paper, and leather industries.
Classified as carcinogenic — prolonged consumption increases risk of cancer, especially in children and pregnant women.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, part of World Health Organization), Auramine-type dyes are considered a possible carcinogen (Group 2B) — meaning there is evidence from animal studies and occupational exposure of cancer risk (especially bladder and urinary tract cancer) with prolonged exposur
Recent Alarms
Viral videos showed roasted chana being coated with Auramine.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote to the Union Health Minister demanding urgent action.
Reports confirm this is a violation of food safety laws and poses a serious public health threat.
How to Check Roasted Chana at Home According to food safety experts:
Soak roasted chana in warm water for 10–15 minutes.
If water turns bright yellow, it indicates chemical coating.
Rub a few chana grains on a clean white cloth.
If yellow stains appear, it suggests Auramine or other artificial dye.
Taste/Texture:
Chemically coated chana may feel unusually shiny, crunchy, or bitter.
Trusted Source:
Buy only from reputed brands with FSSAI certification.
Avoid loose, unbranded roasted chana sold in open markets.
Health Risks
Cancer risk: Long‑term consumption linked to liver and bladder cancers.
Children & Pregnant Women: More vulnerable to toxic effects.
Other issues: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and organ damage over time.
Not all “yellow/bright” chana means dye. Sometimes natural roasting or use of safe food-grade spices (like turmeric) can make chana appear golden.
Without lab analysis, visual appearance alone isn't conclusive.
Auramine in food is illegal and dangerous.
Check purity at home using water or cloth rub tests.
Buy branded, certified products to avoid adulteration.
Authorities are investigating, but vigilance at consumer level is essential.
