Introduction

The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department tested 235 cake samples across the State and found carcinogenic elements in 12 of them. Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K. has issued a warning to bakeries, advising them to avoid using harmful chemicals and colouring agents in cakes.

Report

Popular cakes like red velvet and black forest often contain visually appealing artificial colours that pose serious health risks.  “Tests conducted on 235 samples of cakes from several bakeries across the State have revealed that 12 different varieties contain carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. The 12 samples have revealed the presence of artificial colours such as Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine in more than the prescribed limits,” the official said.

This warning follows the Food Safety Department’s ban on synthetic dyes in items like gobi manchurian, kebabs, and panipuri sauces. Recently, the department also took action against shops that sold shawarma in unhygienic conditions.

In August, the department tested 221 paneer samples and 65 khoya samples, identifying one substandard sample from each dairy category. In September, inspectors conducted checks at 142 food outlets in railway stations and 35 hotel units in tourist hotspots to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Bottomline

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged bakeries and food establishments to comply with food safety regulations after officials discovered harmful additives in cake samples. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products, Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, strictly prohibits using such additives due to their health risks. The Minister warned that authorities will take strict action against anyone who violates these regulations.

Source: The Hindu