Food safety officials in Karnataka discovered cancer-causing chemicals in samples of Pani Puri, a popular street food, media reports said. Testing revealed that 22 per cent of the samples collected failed to meet safety standards. Out of 260 samples tested, artificial colours and carcinogenic agents were detected in 41 samples. An additional 18 samples were deemed unfit for human consumption.
"We received many complaints about the quality of Pani Puri served on streets across the state. We collected samples from roadside stalls and restaurants from all over Karnataka. Many samples were found to be stale and unfit for human consumption," said Srinivas K, Commissioner for Food Safety, to the Deccan Herald. Chemicals such as brilliant blue, sunset yellow, and tartrazine, which can cause various health issues, were found in the samples.
The Karnataka government previously banned the food colouring agent Rhodamine-B, used in dishes like gobhi manchurian and cotton candy. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that strict action would be taken against sellers using these chemicals in their food.
"Food safety in the state is our priority, and we will be inspecting more dishes to determine what colouring agents are being used. People should be aware of what they are consuming. Restaurants owners must maintain hygiene, or strict action will be taken," said Rao.
In February, the Tamil Nadu government had banned the sale and consumption of cotton candy after finding harmful Rhodamine-B and textile dye in the product.
It is to be noted that Rhodamine-B, used as a tracer dye in water, is known to fluoresce, making it detectable with fluorometers. Studies have suggested that Rhodamine-B can cause cell death, and tissue damage, and is considered a carcinogen, thus posing major health risks.
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