Cancer-causing agents found in 12 Karnataka bakery cakes, warning issued
The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued a public advisory warning about the potential health risks of consuming cake. This alert was triggered by the discovery of carcinogenic substances in 12 cake samples collected from various Bengaluru bakeries. The department's statement emphasized that these artificial colors not only increase cancer risk but could also lead to physical and mental health issues.
Artificial food coloring in cakes raises health concerns
The department's investigation revealed that out of 235 cake samples tested, 223 were deemed safe while 12 contained dangerous levels of artificial coloring. Popular cake varieties like red velvet and black forest, often made with vibrant colors, were identified as posing significant health risks. The government body has now directed bakeries to adhere to safety standards and issued a warning against using artificial colors in cakes.
Karnataka government bans use of certain artificial food colors
The advisory follows a ban by the Karnataka government on the use of certain artificial food colors, including Rhodamine-B, in dishes like cotton candy and gobhi manchurian due to health concerns. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has warned that strict action will be taken against sellers found using these banned chemicals. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, also prohibits the use of artificial or synthetic colors beyond standard limits in food preparation.
