On Monday, Karnataka took a decisive stance in line with other states by instituting stringent measures concerning the utilization of artificial food colors, citing growing apprehensions about their impact on public health. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, addressing the media during a press briefing, disclosed the prohibition of artificial food colors, notably Rhodamine-B, in cotton candy and gobi manchurian dishes across the southern expanse of the state. Rao underscored the imperative nature of this action, cautioning against the adverse health implications stemming from the consumption of such artificially colored food items.
During the press conference, Rao unveiled alarming statistics derived from a comprehensive sampling endeavor, revealing the precarious nature of food safety in the region. Among the collected samples, a significant proportion of gobi manchurian dishes were flagged as unsafe, with only a minority meeting safety standards. Similarly, cotton candy samples exhibited a worrisome trend, with a notable portion deemed unsafe for consumption. The presence of artificial colors such as Tartrazine, Carmoisine, Sunset Yellow, and Rhodamine-1B was detected in these samples, prompting immediate regulatory action.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Rao elucidated the risks associated with certain artificial colors, highlighting their potential carcinogenic properties. Consequently, the issuance of a statewide directive banning the use of prohibited artificial colors, including Rhodamine-B, in gobi manchurian and cotton candy was deemed imperative. The health department, cognizant of the long-term health hazards posed by the consumption of such tainted snacks, deemed this measure indispensable to safeguard public well-being.
This regulatory decree, enforced by the state commissioner of food safety, serves as a robust response to mounting concerns regarding food safety standards. Notably, Karnataka's proactive stance follows in the wake of similar actions undertaken by other states. Goa, for instance, recently imposed a ban on gobi manchurian within its jurisdiction, mirroring a growing trend among various Goan civic bodies. Similarly, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry recently took decisive measures against cotton candy, prompted by the discovery of Rhodamine-B in samples subjected to rigorous testing.
In essence, Karnataka's decisive move underscores a concerted effort to prioritize public health and safety, aligning with broader national and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing food quality standards and mitigating health risks associated with artificial food additives.
