Your favourite cake might be hiding dangerous cancer-causing chemicals: Karnataka govt issues warning
Representative image of a cake.
The Karnataka government has issued a health advisory after discovering cancer-causing substances in 12 cake samples. The advisory highlights the potential health risks linked to these popular desserts.
Previous bans on harmful chemicals in food
This move follows earlier steps by the Karnataka government, such as banning Rhodamine-B, a colouring agent often found in dishes like gobi manchurian and cotton candy.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has warned that strict action will be taken against sellers using harmful chemicals in food. Rhodamine-B, usually used in textile dyeing and paper production, has been a cause for concern due to its use in enhancing food's visual appeal, as per media reports.
Cancer-causing substances found in cakes in Bengaluru
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The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department revealed that tests on cakes from Bengaluru bakeries found carcinogenic chemicals in 12 out of 235 samples.
While 223 samples were considered safe, the remaining 12 contained dangerous levels of artificial colours. Cakes such as red velvet and black forest, which often rely on these synthetic dyes for their vibrant appearance, were identified as health risks.
List of harmful substances detected in cakes
The harmful substances detected include Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine. These chemicals not only raise cancer risks but could also lead to other physical and mental health issues.
Popular cake varieties like red velvet and black forest, which use these bright colours, pose serious health risks, the food safety department stated.
Food safety department issues warnings to bakeries
The department has directed bakeries to follow safety regulations and avoid using artificial colours like Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine.
The department has also urged bakers to strictly follow food safety guidelines and avoid exceeding the permitted limits for artificial colours, as laid out in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Section 16 of these rules specifically bans the use of artificial colours in dishes like gobi manchurian, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting public health.
(With inputs from agencies)
