Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a significant directive prohibiting the use of artificial colors in kabab, fish, and chicken dishes statewide.
Under the new regulations, offenders face fines up to Rs 10 lakh and prison terms ranging from seven years to life for incorporating artificial colors in chicken kebabs, fish, and vegetable dishes.
This decision follows comprehensive testing of kabab samples from 36 locations across Karnataka, revealing the presence of synthetic colors such as yellow and carmoisine. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated this measure to safeguard public health, citing potential adverse effects of artificial colors in food.
Previously, Karnataka’s Food Safety and Standards Department had banned artificial colors in cotton candy and gobi manchurian after detecting harmful chemicals. Samples collected from over 170 sites showed carcinogenic substances in these foods.
In cotton candy, the toxic chemical rhodamine B was identified, while gobi manchurian contained sunset yellow and tartrazine, prompting the prohibition of artificial colors.
Rhodamine B, primarily used in textile and leather industries for its red and pink hues, poses cancer risks when consumed via food. It is also found in colored confectionery and prolonged exposure may adversely impact brain function.
This recent ban on artificial colors in kabab, fish, and chicken dishes underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring food safety and protecting public health.