The two food items Gobi Manchurian and the colourful Cotton Candy have sent alarm bells ringing across health ministries in the country as laboratory tests have shown cancer-causing additives Rhodamine-B and Tartrazine were being used in their preparation
The Karnataka government has also joined the bandwagon to ban food colouring agents in Gobi Manchurian and Cotton Candy. Earlier Goa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Maharashtra governments took steps to ban the colouring agents in Gobi Manchuria because it may lead to cancer. Mahesh Zagade, Maharashtra’s former Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) commissioner while speaking with the correspondent Of NUFFOODS Spectrum said that the ban is imposed because small food operators don’t follow the rules strictly which is set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
As per the Karnataka government health minister’s instructions if any food vendors are found violating this ban then they will land in jail.
The two food items Gobi Manchurian and the colourful Cotton Candy have sent alarm bells ringing across health ministries in the country as laboratory tests have shown cancer-causing additives Rhodamine-B and Tartrazine were being used in their preparation. Also, the government of all the banning states has warned the public that next time if you feel like enjoying one of India’s famous roadside snacks Gobi Manchurian then think again. The fried cauliflower contains large amounts of carcinogenic substances and it may lead to cancer if consumed regularly.
Mahesh Zagade, Former Maharashtra FDA Commissioner said, “As per the FSSAI guidelines there are certain rules where the permitted colours can be used. Also, FSSAI and the state food safety officers conduct several surprise raids to check whether the food business operators (FBOs) are following the rules or not. According to me one should not ban the products but the ingredients used in the products should be banned. During my reign as a FDA commissioner in Maharashtra I have banned pan masala and gutkha because it is injurious to health. There are two things one is that Gobi Manchurian and Cotton Candy can be used if the food operators use the permitted colours allowed by the FSSAI but the small food operators even after set rules still use the wrong way and the reason the ban is imposed.”
Earlier the officials of Karnataka’s health ministry collected nearly 171 samples of these food items from various roadside eateries and hotels to test the quality of the additives used.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka health minister said, “Our findings revealed that around 107 unsafe artificial colours were found in these dishes. We found only 64 safe samples, which is alarming. We have taken swift action to ban these immediately.”
Health inspectors are expected to conduct random visits and surprise raids on food outlets in the state to maintain strict implementation of the ban, said ministry officials.
Rao warned, “Any violation will attract 7 years of life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 10 lakh. Repeat violators will be handled with an iron fist and will be booked under the strictest section of the law. One cannot play with the lives and health of people.”
Zagade stressed the importance of stringent regulation and continuous monitoring from farm to plate, ensuring that all food meets high safety standards.
What is Rhodamine-B?
Rhodamine-B is a harmful chemical colouring agent extensively utilised in textile dyeing and the paper industry, known for its original green appearance. Upon introduction to liquids, it transforms, turning vividly pink or red. This substance is a prevalent component in creating dishes such as the ‘bright-coloured’ Gobi Manchurian or the ‘pretty pink’ cotton candy. Recognised as a carcinogenic agent, regular consumption poses a potential risk of cancer.
What is Tartrazine
Tartrazine is known to be the second most commonly used food colouring agent. Widely incorporated in various food items, including soft drinks, baked goods, gelatin-based products, pickles, and more, this bright yellow dye is frequently added to impart a vibrant orange or deep yellow hue to the food product. The governments of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu have issued a directive banning the production and marketing of coloured cotton candy after Rhodamine-B was found in its production. North Goa’s Mapusa Municipal Council passed a resolution banning the sale of Gobi Manchurian at roadside stalls in the area.
Abhitash Singh