Key Development 

Bengaluru’s popular Empire restaurant chain, already under the scanner for serving unsafe chicken kebabs, now faces deeper scrutiny as lab reports confirm the presence of banned food colours in its dishes. The State Food Laboratory has found Sunset Yellow—a synthetic food dye banned in kebabs by the Karnataka government—in samples collected from multiple Empire outlets. One sample also contained Carmoisine, another restricted additive. Officials tested kebab samples collected on June 27 by FSSAI Food Safety Officer Ambarish Gowda during a routine inspection. Later samples from six outlets also tested non-compliant with food safety norms.

Repeat Violation Despite Prior Warning

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed that authorities had earlier warned the Empire restaurant about using banned colours. “Despite being alerted, they continued using Sunset Yellow. We will take action,” he said. The use of such additives, especially in food consumed by children, raises serious public health concerns. The BBMP’s Food Safety and Drug Administration (North Zone) has served a notice to Empire, demanding a response within 30 days. The chain may request retesting at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, but must bear the cost.

Statewide Ban on Artificial Colours in Kebab Dishes

In June 2024, the Karnataka government issued a ban on the use of artificial food colours in kebabs, including chicken, fish, and vegetarian varieties. Officials tested 39 samples statewide, finding seven with Sunset Yellow and one with both Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its supporting regulations prohibit the use of such additives. Violations can attract up to life imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh.

Source: The Indian Express