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Kazakhstan has halted the import and sale of several black tea brands after laboratory tests uncovered banned synthetic colorants، a move aimed at protecting consumers from potentially unsafe additives.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

When the order took effect

On January 5، the Chief State Sanitary Doctor signed an order suspending imports and retail sales. The decision followed control purchases and sanitary-epidemiological examinations conducted by the Health Ministry’s Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee.

What the tests found

Laboratories detected Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)، Tartrazine (E102)، and Ponceau 4R (E124) in the tea samples. These colorants are not permitted in tea under the technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Labeling and permit violations

Inspectors also reported packaging irregularities، including false production and packing addresses، and the absence of required permits for certain operators involved in the products’ circulation.

Brands named in the order

The suspension covers the following products and entities: “Apamnyng shäyi Premium Gold”، Al-Hayat Golg، and “Balqiya Premium Gold” (producer: Orda Trade Astana، Almaty Region)؛ Sultan Suleyman and Pakistan Tea (producer: Real Trade Astana، Astana)؛ “Balqiya Premium Gold” (producer: IP Al-Hadia، Almaty)؛ Aje Onim (producer: IP Orda Chai، Almaty؛ client: LLP Kaltsiy)؛ Al-Hayat Golg (producer: Empire KENIY E.P.Z. Limited، Almaty Region)؛ Al-Jannat Premium (producer: IP Ferdaus، Almaty)؛ and Alfarah (producer not indicated on the package).

What consumers and businesses should do

Authorities urged consumers to carefully check tea labeling and advised importers and retailers to strictly follow sanitary rules and EAEU technical regulations. The suspension remains in place while compliance issues are addressed.