In case of violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 rule 59, it can file a case in the court which can lead to imprisonment ranging from seven years to life term and a fine up to ₹10 lakh.
Published Jun 25, 2024 | 10:39 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 25, 2024 | 10:39 AM
Kebabs. (iStock)
After “Gobi Manchurian” and “Cotton Candy”, the Karnataka government has now prohibited the use of artificial colouring agents in the preparation of kebabs (veg and non-veg) across the state, saying it adversely affected public health.
In case of violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 rule 59, it can file a case in the court which can lead to imprisonment ranging from seven years to life term and a fine up to ₹10 lakh, an official order stated on Monday, 24 June.
According to the Food Safety and Quality Department, the quality of kebabs being sold across the state was found to be “poor” due to the addition of artificial colours, which can have a serious impact on the health of the public.
In the wake of media reports, samples of kebabs sold across the state were collected and tested in the state laboratories.
In an official order dated 21 June, the department stated that out of the 39 samples collected and tested in laboratories, eight were found to be unsafe due to usage of artificial colour (Sunset Yellow was found in seven samples while Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine was found in another sample).
Citing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it said the usage of artificial colours is unsafe and hence, no such colouring agents shall be used as it can seriously affect the health of the consumer.
The use of any artificial colours in the preparation of kebabs is not permitted under rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, the order added.
In March, the state government prohibited usage of artificial colours in “Gobi Manchurian” and “Cotton Candy” in the state as their usage causes adverse effects on public health, especially children.
The decision was taken by the food safety and quality department after samples of “Gobi Manchurian” and “Cotton Candy” collected and analysed in laboratories showed presence of unsafe artificial colours.
Upon inspection, samples revealed the presence of Rhodamine B and other chemicals in numerous cotton candy samples. In the case of gobi manchurian, the unauthorised use of Tartrazine, a chemical unfit for consumption, was exposed.
As per the Food Products Standards and Food Additives Rules, the use of food colouring agents beyond the permitted limit can cause severe health issues. “Officials have found that the samples collected showed use of harmful colouring agents and hence, it is a stern warning to manufacturers of cotton candy to not use any coloured agent. If used, they will be booked legally under the Act,” Health Minister Gundu Rao had said in March.
Speaking about gobi manchurian, he warned that the use of food colouring agent Tartrazine was found in samples collected from several eateries and restaurants.
Speaking to South First earlier, Dr Akhil Raj, Neurosurgeon and Head Researcher at Nonpareil Centre for Neuro and Psychosomatic Development, explained that Rhodamine B is not just another food colouring agent. It is a chemical that is primarily used in industrial applications, including as a tracer dye in water and a colourant in textiles and plastics.
“The fine bright colour that Rhodamine B gives is what has attracted the food industry and hence, it is used not only in cotton candy but several other foods. This is not approved for food use by food safety authorities,” he had said.
Rhodamine B’s presence in food can even cause developmental delay in children, Dr Raj explained.
He said that this agent and its metabolites cause oxidative stress, leading to degeneration in the parts of the brain. The effect on the cerebellum can lead to various abnormalities.
The doctor added that aside from cotton candy, Rhodamine B is likely present in several sauces — tomato ketchup, red chilli sauce, Szechuan sauce. He urged the Food Safety Department to check these as well.
(With PTI inputs)
