Can idlis cause cancer? Karnataka government's crackdown explained
What's the story
The Karnataka health department has detected carcinogenic chemicals in idlis made by some hotels and street vendors.
The probe found that these places were using plastic sheets instead of traditional cotton cloths to steam the idlis.
This revelation has prompted the state government to think about imposing a ban on plastic use in the food industry.
Carcinogenic concerns
Health risks from plastic use in idli preparation
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed 52 hotels were caught using polythene sheets to prepare idlis.
Laboratory analysis of 500 idli samples from 251 establishments found 51 samples unsafe due to carcinogenic substances.
According to TOI, plastic sheets contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors that can be absorbed into food when heated.
It releases toxins and microplastics, which accumulate in the body over time and raise the risk of cancers, like breast and prostate.
Regulatory measures
Government action and industry response to plastic misuse
In response to these violations, the government has imposed fines and urged the public to report continued misuse.
"If anyone continues to use it, the public should report it to the authorities," Rao said.
"We are educating both the food industry and consumers about the dangers of using carcinogenic materials in cooking," Rao said.
PC Rao, president of the hotel association, however, assured that reputed hotels do not use plastic in idli preparation.
Past measures
Previous food safety initiatives in Karnataka
"No reputed hotels use plastic covers in idli preparation. We have already warned all hotels against this practice," Rao was quoted as saying by News18.
In the past, the state has taken several steps to uphold food safety regulations.
It had banned peanut chikki bars in schools due to safety concerns and prohibited harmful food coloring agents like Rhodamine-B.
"Not following the government order can lead to seven years..life imprisonment....and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh," Rao had said.