Karnataka Bans Use Of Artificial Colour In Gobi Manchurian, Cotton Candy Citing Health Risks (image: pixabay)
Citing health concerns, the Karnataka government on Monday banned the use of artificial colours in Gobi Manchurian and Cotton Candy. The State government has also requested the public not to have food items that are made using artificial colours since it can adversely affect public health.
The use of colouring agents like Rhodamine-1B and Carmoisine is “harmful and unsafe,” the government added. The “prolonged usage of artificial colours in food and its consumption can lead to deadly diseases like cancer,” the order stated.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao said that the violation of the directive can lead to imprisonment up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. “Consumption of snacks containing these artificial colours may pose long-term health risks, including cancer. Therefore, the health department has taken this necessary action. I urge the public to prioritize health and hygiene above all else,” Health Minister said in a tweet.
In consideration of public health, we are banning the use of artificial colours in Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy. Violation of this ban may result in imprisonment for up to 7 years and a fine of up to 10 lakhs.
Following reports of substandard quality and the presence of… pic.twitter.com/z2KWHi8Jbd
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) March 11, 2024
The order was issued after collecting and analysing the samples of Gobi Manchurian and Cotton Candy sold across the state. Of 171 samples of Gobi Manchurian collected, 64 were found to be safe and 107 were found to be unsafe. Meanwhile, of 25 cotton candy samples collected, 10 were found to be safe and 15 unsafe.
Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, Rhodamine-1B and Carmoisine, were some of the artificial colours found to be used in the samples, and they are “unsafe chemicals”.
In February this year, Tamil Nadu has also banned the sale of cotton candy after finding the presence of Rhodamine B and textile dye in it.
