Bangalore: Karnataka has taken a decisive step to prioritize public health by banning the use of artificial food colors, including Rhodamine-B, in popular food items like cotton candy and gobi manchurian. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced this measure during a press conference, highlighting concerns about the adverse effects of these additives on people's health.

The ban comes after extensive testing revealed that many samples of gobi manchurian and cotton candy across the state were of poor quality due to the use of artificial food colors. Of the 171 samples of gobi manchurian collected, a concerning 106 were found to be unsafe, while only 64 were deemed safe. Similarly, out of 25 cotton candy samples tested, 15 were found to be unsafe.

Artificial colors such as Tartrazine, Carmoisine, Sunset Yellow, and Rhodamine-1B were detected in the samples, prompting the health department to take immediate action. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the risks associated with consuming snacks containing these harmful additives, including potential long-term health hazards like cancer.

In response to these findings, the state commissioner of food safety has issued an order banning the use of prohibited artificial colors in gobi manchurian and cotton candy statewide. This directive underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety standards are upheld.

Notably, some samples of gobi manchurian were collected from 3-star hotels in Karnataka, further highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

Karnataka's proactive stance on this matter follows similar actions taken by other regions. Just last month, Goa's Mapusa Municipal Council banned gobi manchurian in the region due to similar concerns. Likewise, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry recently banned cotton candy after tests revealed the presence of the cancer-causing chemical Rhodamine-B.

As Karnataka implements this ban, it sends a clear message about the importance of prioritizing health and hygiene in food preparation and consumption. It also underscores the need for stringent regulations to ensure the safety of food products available to the public.

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