Do they use colour dyes on farmed prawns?

Yes, farmed prawns can sometimes be treated with colour dyes to enhance their appearance and make them more appealing to consumers. The dyes used are usually carotenoid pigments, which are natural pigments found in plants and animals. These pigments are safe for human consumption and do not pose any health risks.

The practice of colouring farmed prawns is more common in Asia, where consumers prefer prawns that have a vibrant colour. The dyes are typically applied to the prawns after they have been harvested and before they are packaged for sale.

Some of the common colour dyes used on farmed prawns include:

* Astaxanthin: This is a red-orange pigment that is found naturally in shrimp, lobster, and other crustaceans. Astaxanthin is also used as a food colouring and is considered safe for human consumption.

* Canthaxanthin: This is a red pigment that is also found naturally in shrimp, lobster, and other crustaceans. Canthaxanthin is also used as a food colouring and is considered safe for human consumption.

* Beta-carotene: This is a yellow-orange pigment that is found in many plants, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Beta-carotene is also used as a food colouring and is considered safe for human consumption.

It is important to note that not all farmed prawns are treated with colour dyes. Some farmers may choose to leave their prawns uncoloured, or they may use natural methods to enhance the colour of the prawns, such as by feeding them a diet that is rich in carotenoid pigments.