The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): In a significant health move, Karnataka has declared a ban on the sale of coloured Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy, aligning with states like Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Maharashtra in the crackdown against cancer-causing food colourings. Health Minister of Karnataka announced this new regulation after laboratory tests identified the presence of carcinogenic substances, Rhodamine-B and Tartrazine, in these popular food items.
The initiative follows the detection of these harmful additives in an alarming number of food samples collected from roadside vendors and eateries across the state. Out of 171 samples tested, 107 were found to contain unsafe artificial colours, prompting immediate action by the health ministry. “We have taken swift action to ban these immediately,” the Health Minister stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to public health.
Violations of this ban are met with severe consequences, including up to 7 years in prison and fines reaching Rs 10 lakh, as part of the state’s efforts to enforce this regulation rigorously. The health ministry has also planned for health inspectors to carry out random checks and raids to ensure compliance.
Rhodamine-B, a chemical commonly used in textile dyeing and the paper industry, turns vivid pink or red when dissolved and has been linked to cancer with regular consumption. Tartrazine, another widely used food dye, known for its bright yellow colour, is also under scrutiny for its potential health risks.
This move by the Karnataka government underscores a growing concern over food safety and public health, particularly regarding the use of artificial colouring agents in food products. It reflects a broader initiative across several Indian states to eliminate the use of hazardous substances in food, safeguarding the health of consumers.
