In a decisive move to safeguard public health, particularly that of children, the Karnataka government has imposed a ban on the use of artificial colors in popular food items such as ‘Gobi Manchurian’ and ‘Cotton Candy’ across the state, a PTI report said. The ban comes in response to concerns raised regarding the adverse health effects associated with these synthetic additives.
Lab results for ‘Gobi Manchurian’ and ‘Cotton Candy’
In a comprehensive effort led by the food safety and quality department, samples of ‘Gobi Manchurian’ and ‘Cotton Candy’ from various vendors were collected in Karnataka and subjected to thorough analysis in laboratories. What came in the results was alarming as a significant portion of the samples contained unsafe artificial colors including ‘Tartrazine’, ‘Sunset Yellow’, and ‘Carmoisine’ in ‘Gobi Manchurian’, and ‘Tartrazine’, ‘Sunset Yellow’, and ‘Rhodamine B’ in ‘Cotton Candy’.
The use of these artificial colours was deemed unsafe under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Additionally, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, the use of artificial colors in the preparation of ‘Gobi Manchurian’ is strictly prohibited, while for ‘Cotton Candy’, only permitted colors within prescribed limits are permissible.
Ban on artificial colours
Consequently, the Food Safety Commissioner has issued a ban on the use of any artificial colors in ‘Gobi Manchurian’. For ‘Cotton Candy’, the usage of artificial colors has not only been restricted beyond specified limits, but using colours such as ‘Rhodamine B’ and others is also not permitted. Furthermore, any violation of these regulations, as outlined in rule 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act – 2006, may result in severe penalties including imprisonment ranging from seven years to a life term and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
Highlighting the grave health risks associated with prolonged consumption of artificial colors, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the carcinogenic nature of ‘Rhodamine B’ and cautioned against the use of ‘Tartrazine’ in prepared foods. Rao reiterated that while ‘Tartrazine’ is permissible in packaged foods within minimal quantities, its rampant use in food preparation by restaurants, hotels, and street vendors poses significant health hazards, reported PTI.
In response to these findings, the Health Minister assured stringent measures to minimise the misuse of such chemicals and reiterated the commitment to take strict action against offenders. He stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the hazards of food adulteration and underscored the necessity for vigilance among consumers.
