The Union Health Ministry has confirmed that the Karnataka Government has banned the use of artificial food colours in kebabs, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. This step was taken because such colours may contain harmful chemicals that can cause serious health issues.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is also aware of the food colouring rules introduced by the Hong Kong Government in 2020. These rules strictly regulate the use of colouring matter in food items.
India’s Food Colour Standards
In India, the use of food colours is controlled by the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. According to these rules, only approved food colours within safe limits are permitted. The FSS Act, 2006 clearly states that no non-permitted colour can be added to food. Furthermore, no colour or additive is allowed in ready-to-eat foods sold by vendors, such as kebabs, chicken and fish.
Under Section 29 of the FSS Act, 2006, State Authorities are empowered to take action to protect public health. This allows State Governments to check food products and stop the use of harmful, non-permitted additives.
Monitoring and Action by FSSAI
FSSAI, along with State and Union Territory governments, conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspections and random sampling of food products. If any food sample is found to be unsafe or non-compliant with the law, strict action is taken against the food business operators responsible.
Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Food Authority issued a public notice banning the use of synthetic colours in food products. This highlights growing concern across the country about the dangers of harmful artificial colouring in foods.
Date : 24 August 2025
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