Consuming such things has shocked the Bangaloreans. The Food Safety and Quality Department of the State found cancer-causing agents in 12 out of 235 cake samples taken from various bakeries in the state. The harmful substances present were mainly artificial colors which were found to be above acceptable levels.
The Culprits: Artificial Colors
Additives that detected include:
• Allura Red: E129
• Sunset Yellow FCF: E110
• Ponceau 4R: E124
• Tartazine: E102
• Carmoisine: E122
These substances are so-called ‘food additives’ that are controlled under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and other related regulation in 2011.
Health Risks: What’s Under Threat???
Excessive use of these additives poses a number of health dangers including:
• Cancer
• Hyperactivity
• Allergies
• Respiratory diseases
Stating measures taken by State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao last week, bakeries have been warned: observe food safety and quality standards or suffer the adverse effects of death, torture and imprisonment.
Banned from January: Artificial Colors in Popular Dishes
The other reported extension of this ban by the Food Safety Department is also against the use of artificial colors in,
• Gobi manchurian
• Kebabs
• Pani puri sauces
The apprehensive Karnataka government is trying to avoid any further danger to the health of the public.
The public is asked to :
• Check labels for artificial colors
• Opt for natural ingredients
• Support responsible bakeries
