Karnataka Bans Artificial Colors In Kebabs - Here's Why

The use of artificial colours in the preparation of kebabs, including vegetarian, chicken, and fish varieties, has been explicitly banned by the Karnataka health department, as announced in a notification issued on Monday.

Under the provisions of Rule 59 of the Food Safety and Quality Act of 2006, it has been stated that the use of these artificial colours is punishable with severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from 7 years to a life term and fines of up to ₹10 lakhs.

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Karnataka Bans Artificial Colors In Kebabs

Reports from both the media and the general public have highlighted concerns about the quality of kebabs being sold across the state, which has been attributed to the use of artificial colouring agents that have adverse effects on public health, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In light of these concerns, 39 samples of kebabs from various locations across the state were collected, tested, and analyzed in Karnataka laboratories. The tests indicated that artificial colours such as sunset yellow and carmosine were found to be unsafe and hazardous to health, according to the release.

Earlier in March, a ban was imposed by Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on the food colouring agent Rhodamine-B, which is commonly used in dishes like 'Gobi Manchurian' and cotton candy, as reported by Hindustan Times. The health minister noted that a special drive had been conducted on the dish 'Gobi Manchurian,' which led to the discovery that Rhodamine-B, a harmful colouring agent, was being used.

It was pointed out that many samples tested positive for this substance, along with other artificial colours such as Tartrazine, Carmoisine, and Sunset Yellow, which pose health risks. Gundu Rao emphasized that stringent action would be taken against restaurants found to be using these harmful chemicals in food preparation, as per media reports.

The risks posed by unsafe food practices were highlighted by the health minister, who reiterated the commitment of the government to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public through the enforcement of food safety regulations.