Karnataka Bans Use Of Artificial Colour In Chicken Kebabs, Fish And Veg Dishes (Photo @foodietechlab)

Karnataka government on Monday issued orders banning the use of artificial colours in certain food items. It took a tough measure by imposing a hefty fine of Rs ten lakh and a jail term ranging from seven years to life on the violators. The government prohibited the use of artificial colour in food items, including kebabs, chicken, fish, and some vegetarian dishes.

The government’s move comes after increased public concerns over the unmonitored use of various colours in food products, making health at risk.

Read Also: Karnataka Bans Use Of Artificial Colour In Gobi Manchurian, Cotton Candy

The new order cited a lab report that indicated that out of the 39 kebab samples tested in laboratories, eight were found unsafe due to the presence of artificial colour such as Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine, violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The test discovered the poor quality of the food being served with added artificial colours, posing a significant risk to public health.

The order issued on June 24, stated that no artificial colours should be used in the preparation of kebabs, whether it be vegetarian, chicken, fish, or any other types. To enforce the law strictly, the government also imposed stringent punishment, including jail terms ranging from seven years to life and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.

Read Also: Cotton Candy Banned In Puducherry; Find Out The Reason

According to Rule 59 of the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2006, violations are punishable by imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, along with fines up to ₹10 lakhs, according to Rule 59 of the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2006. The new ban is applicable to all food vendors, including street vendors and five-star restaurants.

Taking to X, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the enforcement of the ban and said that the government has banned the usage of artificial colors in vegetable, chicken, and fish kebabs, considering the safety of the citizens.

“Recently, 39 samples of kebabs were subjected to tests in the laboratory, and 8 variants of kebabs were found to have harmful artificial colors (sunset yellow and carmoisine). Artificial colors are harmful to the body and can cause adverse health effects. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 Act, prohibit the usage of harmful artificial colors. Food vendors violating the rule will be dealt with serious action, including 7 years of jail time and a fine of up to Rs. 10 lakh. Your health our commitment,” the Health Minister wrote in his social media post.

Considering the safety of our citizens, Karnataka Government has banned the usage of artificial colors in Veg, Chicken and Fish Kebabs.

Recently, 39 samples of Kebabs were subjected to tests in the laboratory and 8 variants of kebabs were found to have harmful artificial colors… pic.twitter.com/0N1EmVNQCM

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) June 24, 2024

Notably, the state government in March this year banned the use of artificial colours in some other food items such as  Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy, after tests found carcinogenic chemicals were detected in the artificial colours used in the preparation of the items.