Karnataka Bans Use Of Artificial Colours In Kebabs After Restrictions On Cotton Candy, Manchurian

With this, offenders using artificial colors in kebabs may face imprisonment from seven years to life and fines up to Rs 10 lakh due to a ban on their use.

In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Karnataka government has banned the use of artificial colouring agents in the preparation of kebabs, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, across the state. This decision follows similar prohibitions on artificial colours in 'Gobi Manchurian' and 'Cotton Candy'.

Earlier, the Food Safety and Quality Department raised concerns about the "poor quality" of kebabs sold statewide due to the addition of artificial colours, which have been found to pose serious health risks. The department collected and tested samples of kebabs following media reports highlighting potential health hazards, according to a report on PTI.

An official order dated June 21 revealed that out of 39 kebab samples tested, eight were deemed unsafe. Specifically, seven samples contained the artificial colour Sunset Yellow, and one sample contained both Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine. These findings prompted immediate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The ban is enforced under rule 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which outlines severe penalties for violations. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from seven years to life and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, the use of artificial colours in food preparation is prohibited under rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, as per the report.

This latest ban follows the government's decision in March to prohibit artificial colours in 'Gobi Manchurian' and 'Cotton Candy'. These actions were taken after laboratory analyses confirmed the presence of harmful artificial colours in samples of these popular foods, which were particularly concerning for children's health.

Even earlier, the Congress-led government ruled out the complete ban on the sale of these items. During the same time, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry banned sale of cotton candy due to cancer-causing chemicals.