Karnataka bans use of artificial food colours in cotton candy and gobi manchurian

Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister has announced that flouting this ban would result in a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh

The southern Indian state of Karnataka has banned the use of artificial food colours, including Rhodamine-B, in cotton candy and gobi manchurian due to health concerns. Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister has announced that flouting this ban would result in a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

At a press conference, Dinesh Gundu Rao said that cotton candy and gobi manchurian samples collected across the state were found to be of poor quality due to the use of food colours, which are adversely affecting the health of people. Out of 171 samples of gobi manchurian collected, only 64 were found to be safe while 106 were found to be unsafe. Meanwhile, 25 cotton candy samples were collected, of which only 10 were found to be safe and 15 were unsafe. Tartrazine, Carmoisine, Sunset Yellow, and Rhodamine-1B were some of the artificial colours found to be used in the samples.

“Samples were collected from hotels, and roadside shops, among others. Many have turned out unsafe. Using Rhodamine as a colouring agent is banned. Eateries use this colouring agent to make food items look more red,” Dinesh Gundu Rao said at the press conference.

Later, the Karnataka Health Minister wrote, “Based on these findings, an order has been issued banning the use of prohibited artificial colours, including Rhodamine-B, in gobi manchurian and cotton candy. 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 prioritise health and hygiene above all else.”