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In an effort to safeguard public health, Karnataka's Department of Food Safety and Quality has intensified its oversight of street food vendors. This recent action comes in response to rising concerns over the use of synthetic colours in food items, with the focus now shifting to the popular street food, pani puri. This move follows previous crackdowns on dishes such as Gobi Manchurian and kebabs, which were also found to contain harmful synthetic additives.
State-Wide Investigation
The Karnataka health department recently conducted a comprehensive sampling exercise across 79 locations throughout the state, including 49 in Bengaluru. This investigation aimed to identify and address the use of carcinogenic chemicals in the ingredients used by pani puri vendors. The results were alarming, revealing that many samples contained potentially harmful substances. According to a report by The Times of India, the sampling exercise unearthed significant concerns. A notable number of pani puri samples tested positive for carcinogenic chemicals, particularly in the sauces and sweet chilli powder used. These findings highlighted the widespread use of synthetic colours such as sunset yellow, brilliant blue, and carmoisine, which are known for their potential health risks.
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Specific Findings in Bengaluru
The investigation revealed that in Bengaluru alone, 19 out of 49 samples contained synthetic colours. This prompted officials to advocate for a statewide ban on the use of artificial colours in sauces and sweet chilli powder used in pani puri. The aim is to protect consumers from the health hazards associated with these synthetic additives.
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Government Response and Measures
This crackdown on synthetic colours in pani puri is part of a broader initiative by the Karnataka Health Department to ensure food safety. Recently, the department issued a directive mandating the exclusion of artificial colours in various dishes, including all types of kebabs. This directive is part of ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor the use of potentially harmful substances in food.
Impact on Other Food Items
The health department's focus on food safety is not new. Earlier in March, the state government imposed a ban on Rhodamine-B, a widely used food colouring agent. This ban significantly impacted the market for Gobi Manchurian in Bengaluru, with sales reportedly plummeting by approximately 80 per cent. Vendors were compelled to adapt their recipes, opting for natural alternatives to meet the new regulatory standards.
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Bottomline
The Karnataka health department's latest move to crack down on carcinogenic colours in pani puri underscores its commitment to public health. By extending their scrutiny to popular street foods, officials aim to eliminate the use of harmful synthetic additives and promote safer, natural alternatives. This initiative is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers across the state, setting a precedent for stringent food safety regulations.