The Karnataka Food Safety Department has uncovered alarming risks in idlis served at some eateries and roadside stalls. Officials tested 500 samples from 251 locations across Bengaluru, revealing that 51 contained harmful, cancer-linked substances.

Plastic instead of cloth: A toxic swap

Traditionally, soft idlis are steamed using fresh cotton cloths. However, several vendors and restaurants have replaced them with plastic sheets, which release hazardous chemicals when exposed to heat. These substances, including bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, have been linked to cancer, hormonal disruptions, and metabolic disorders.

Government steps in

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed that 52 hotels were penalized for using plastic sheets in food preparation. Authorities are considering a complete ban on plastic in cooking, urging the public to report violators.

Past food safety actions

  • School meals: Peanut chikki bars were removed from midday meals due to nutritional concerns.
  • Artificial colors: Karnataka outlawed Rhodamine-B, a harmful dye found in gobi Manchurian.
  • Kebab crackdown: The use of synthetic food colors in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs was prohibited under food safety regulations.

The state continues its aggressive campaign to eliminate dangerous food practices, ensuring safer meals for consumers.