In a significant move to safeguard public health, Karnataka has enacted stringent measures against the use of artificial food colors, following similar actions by other states. A recent investigation revealed alarming results, with a substantial portion of sampled gobi manchurian and cotton candy found to contain unsafe levels of artificial colors, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Out of 171 gobi manchurian samples collected, only 64 met safety standards, indicating a concerning prevalence of unsafe practices. Similarly, of the 25 cotton candy samples tested, a mere 10 were deemed safe for consumption, underscoring the widespread issue. The presence of banned artificial colors such as Tartrazine, Carmoisine, Sunset Yellow, and Rhodamine-1B further exacerbates the health hazards associated with these food items.
Speaking at a press conference, Dinesh Gundu Rao highlighted the use of Rhodamine as a color enhancer, emphasizing its prohibition due to health concerns. Rao's statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for corrective action.
In response to these findings, the Karnataka Health Minister swiftly issued an order banning the use of prohibited artificial colors, including Rhodamine-B, in gobi manchurian and cotton candy. The decision reflects the government's commitment to prioritizing public health and safety above all else. The state commissioner of food safety has mandated the enforcement of this order across Karnataka, signaling a proactive approach to address the issue comprehensively.
Notably, the investigation revealed that even samples from reputed establishments, including 3-star hotels, failed to meet safety standards, indicating the pervasive nature of the problem. Karnataka's decisive action comes in the wake of similar bans implemented in other states, with Goa and Tamil Nadu taking proactive measures against gobi manchurian and cotton candy, respectively, in response to health concerns.
The collective efforts of state authorities underscore a growing awareness of the risks associated with artificial food colors and the imperative to regulate their use rigorously. By prioritizing public health and hygiene, Karnataka sets a precedent for proactive governance in addressing emerging health threats in the food industry.
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