Bengaluru Restaurants in Turmoil over Food Color Ban

The Health Department's decision to prohibit artificial coloring while permitting the serving of dishes like gobhi manchurian has sparked dissatisfaction among Bengaluru restaurant owners, who argue that the move lacked consultation.

PC Rao, the president of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association, expressed concerns regarding the Health Minister's recent statement on the use of colors in gobhi manchurian.

According to the statement, food additives adhering to FSSAI Regulations/ISI Standards can incorporate red, blue, green, and yellow colors within specified limits.

Rao criticized the government's directives for lacking rationality and emphasized the need for consultations with manufacturers and users before implementing such scientific determinations.

He pledged to offer comprehensive feedback to the government and engage in discussions to address the issue in the days ahead.

In response, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that among the 171 samples of gobhi manchurian collected, 107 were found to contain unsafe artificial colors such as tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carmoisine.

He emphasized that a circular has been issued, along with plans for awareness programs.

Strict legal measures will be taken against offenders, supported by further sample collection for legal proceedings. The use of artificial colors in food products is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its regulations.

Any infringement will lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment ranging from five years to a life sentence and a fine of Rs 10 lakh.

Physicians also highlighted the dangers associated with the utilization of artificial colors.

Dr. Muralidhar S Kathalagiri from Sparsh Hospital cautioned against the use of artificial food colors, highlighting the potential dangers they pose. While these colorants may enhance the visual appeal of our meals, their use, particularly when employing non-approved agents, can have adverse effects on health.

Synthetic additives, often present in popular snacks and dishes, have the potential to disrupt bodily functions. For instance, the food coloring agent Rhodamine B, commonly utilized, is harmful.

Studies indicate that these additives could induce allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and may even contribute to serious health issues such as cancer and organ damage.

Despite their innocuous appearance on our plates, these colors conceal harmful substances that can disrupt our body's equilibrium and lead to illness.

Dr. Kathalagiri advises avoiding such chemicals and opting for natural colors or those approved by FSSAI to maintain a healthy diet.