Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Emphasizes Public Health in New Ban
In Short:
- Karnataka government bans artificial colours in chicken kebabs and fish dishes.
- Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao prioritizes public health.
- Quality checks revealed artificial colours caused substandard quality.
- Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
The Karnataka government has officially banned the use of artificial colours in chicken kebabs and fish dishes across the state. This decision follows quality checks that revealed the detrimental effects of artificial colours on food quality.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the ban, stressing its importance for public health. The move came after the Food Safety Department conducted an investigation, prompted by concerns about the adverse health effects of artificial food colours.
In recent tests, the state food and safety quality department collected 39 samples of kebabs from various locations. Analysis revealed that eight of these samples contained harmful artificial colours, such as sunset yellow and carmoisine, making them unsafe for consumption.
Violating the ban will carry severe consequences. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from seven years to a life term, a fine of Rs 10 lakh, and the revocation of their food outlet's license.
This action aligns with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, which prohibit the use of artificial colours in food.
This ban follows a similar prohibition earlier this year on artificial colours in Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy, demonstrating the state's ongoing commitment to ensuring food safety and protecting public health.