TDS Desk:

The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) has issued a public health alert after discovering that cheap ‘moth’ pulses – locally known as keri, bana moog, or buno moog – are being illegally dyed and sold as mung pulses in markets across the country.

According to BFSA, unscrupulous traders are using Tartrazine, a synthetic yellow dye banned for use in pulses, to make the cheaper moth pulses resemble the more expensive mung variety.

The dye, often used in textiles and processed foods, can cause serious health issues, including allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and long-term organ damage if consumed regularly.

TOXIC DYE IN DAL

Investigators found that more than half of the samples of so-called mung pulses collected from local markets were in fact moth pulses mixed with yellow dye. Shockingly, although imports of moth pulses were twice as high as mung pulses last fiscal year, BFSA officials found no market listings under the name “moth.”

“This means dyed moth pulses are being sold as mung pulses, deceiving consumers and endangering public health,” said a senior BFSA official.

A CRIME UNDER FOOD LAW

Under Section 27 of the Food Safety Act, 2013, the use of unauthorised dyes in food items  – or the import, processing, storage, or sale of such adulterated products – is a punishable offense.

The BFSA has instructed all traders, importers, and wholesalers to immediately stop selling colored pulses, warning of strict legal action for violations.

WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD WATCH FOR

Authorities have urged the public to stay alert when buying mung pulses, especially from open sacks or unlabelled packaging.

TIPS TO IDENTIFY ADULTERATED PULSES:

Colour uniformity: Real mung pulses have a natural greenish hue; dyed moth pulses may appear unnaturally bright yellow or glossy.

Water test: Soak a handful in warm water for 10 minutes — if the colour bleeds, it’s artificially dyed.

Trust sealed packs: Buy only from trusted brands or sealed packets that mention the source and variety.

PUBLIC HEALTH FIRST

The BFSA said the warning aims to protect consumers from health risks and restore honesty in food trade. Officials also called on the media and local administrations to spread awareness so that consumers do not fall victim to this widespread fraud.

“Food adulteration is not just cheating — it’s poisoning the people,” the BFSA statement read.

Bangladesh’s food safety watchdog has made it clear: Tampering with your daily dal will not be tolerated.