Karnataka’s food authority recently discovered cancer-causing chemicals in cake samples.
Local bakeries were warned by the state’s Food Safety and Quality Department not to sell cakes that have an excessive amount of artificial coloring during the crackdown.
Samples Analysed
Out of 235 cake samples, 223 were determined by health officials to be safe to eat, but 12 samples included substances known to cause cancer, primarily artificial dyes such Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine.
Varieties such as black forest and red velvet contained these colors.
Health Risk
In a statement, the state’s food safety and quality agency claimed that the heavy use of artificial colours not only increases cancer risks but may also affect mental and physical health.
Commissioner Srinivas K for Food Safety has cautioned bakeries against using dangerous chemicals and colorings in their cakes.
FSSAI Guideline
According to the FSSAI guidelines, most of the food colourings should be 100mg per kg.
A maximum of 100 mg per kg of Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine should be applied to food products.
Action To Be Taken
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that bakeries and other shops found using dangerous colouring additives in their products have been warned to comply to food safety and quality regulations.
He underlined that because of the serious health concerns that these additives represent to consumers, their use is prohibited by the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011.
“Strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the regulations,” he added.
Date : 21 to 25 Oct 2024 (5 Days)
Time : 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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