On July 3, 2025, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority reported the detection of Tartrazine and its variations (E 102) in various jelly candy products. This incident has been classified under the category of fraud, raising concerns regarding the integrity of food ingredients and compounds.
Tartrazine, a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye, is often used as a color additive in food products. Its presence in jelly candy variants has triggered an official investigation, as such additives must comply with regulatory standards to ensure consumer safety.
The source of the issue has been traced back to China, where these jelly candy products were initially manufactured. The detection of E 102 in these food items underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry to prevent the unauthorized use of food additives.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to food safety and the monitoring of imported food products. Regulatory bodies are tasked with ensuring that food items in the market meet established safety guidelines and do not pose risks to public health.