In a recent survey conducted by the Karnataka Health Department, approximately 250 pani puri samples were collected from various eateries across the state. Out of these, 40 samples tested positive for the presence of cancer-causing agents. This popular North Indian street food is now under scrutiny in Karnataka due to concerns about harmful ingredients used in its preparation.
The Karnataka Health Ministry is investigating the use of cancerous coloring agents in pani puri, following the prohibition of similar agents in other snacks such as gobhi manchurian and kebabs. The survey revealed that 40 out of the 250 samples did not meet food safety standards, testing positive for chemicals like brilliant blue, tartrazine, and sunset yellow. Regular consumption of these chemicals can significantly harm organs.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured that the department would take appropriate action. He plans to hold a meeting to raise awareness about hygiene and best cooking practices among food vendors. Last month, Rao noted, "As the use of artificial colors in the manufacture of cotton candy, gobi, and kebabs has been banned, the samples of pani puri being sold in the state have been collected and sent for testing. Many samples of pani puri also failed food safety tests and were found to contain cancer reagents."
In a tweet, Rao emphasized the importance of public health and hygiene: "More analysis is being done on this, and after the test report, the health department will take appropriate action. At the same time, the public should take special care of their health and refrain from consuming food items that affect our health. Great importance should be given to cleanliness and hygiene."
The state government is committed to ensuring the safety of food sold to the public and will take measures to prevent the use of harmful substances in popular street foods like pani puri.
