Key Update

Despite Karnataka’s ban on several artificial food colours, many street food vendors in Bengaluru continue to use them in kebabs, tandoori dishes, sweets, and other popular foods.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against the use of artificial colours in recent years. In 2024, authorities banned Rhodamine B after detecting it in gobi Manchurian and cotton candy. In June 2025, officials prohibited the use of Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine in vegetable, chicken, and fish kebabs following laboratory findings.

However, a ground-level check across several parts of Bengaluru found that the banned colours remain in use, particularly at street food stalls.

Vendors Prioritise Appearance Despite Ban

Some vendors admitted that they add food colours to enhance the visual appeal of their products. A vendor in Majestic said colours are commonly used in chicken dishes because customers associate certain shades with taste and quality. Similarly, a tandoori vendor in Shivajinagar said brightly coloured food attracts customers and helps maintain sales.

Sweet vendors echoed the same concern. One vendor said sweets such as jalebi and jangri rely on their characteristic orange appearance, making vendors reluctant to stop using colour additives.

Authorities Continue Crackdown

Food Safety Department officials said they continue to conduct inspections and initiate action against businesses found using prohibited colours. Dr Suresh H, Administrator of the Food Safety Department’s South Zone, said enforcement teams regularly monitor food establishments and carry out raids. However, he noted that some vendors add colours after inspection hours, making violations difficult to detect.

Health Experts Raise Concerns

Health experts warn that artificial food colours can pose health risks, particularly for children. Edwina Raj, Head of Services, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at a private hospital, said studies have linked certain artificial colours to allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and attention-related issues in children. She added that some individuals may also experience symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, headaches, and breathing difficulties after consuming foods containing these additives.

Despite regulatory action and ongoing inspections, the continued use of banned colours highlights the challenges authorities face in ensuring compliance across Bengaluru’s street food sector.

Source: Deccan Herald