Why in News
Karnataka became the third State in South India to ban the use of certain colouring agents in cotton candy and gobi manchurian that are found to be harmful.
The decision follows similar steps taken in Tamil Nadu and Goa, and came after a survey by the Public Health Department that showed the presence of harmful chemicals present in the food samples.
These agents making food unsafe for consumption.
The government has also clarified that there is no ban on making cotton candy as long as these colouring agents are not used.
What were the harmful chemicals banned?
In India, there isn't a blanket ban on all coloring agents in food.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regulates their use.
Banned coloring agent,
Rhodamine B - This is a red dye considered a potential carcinogen and is not permitted in any food products.
Restricted coloring agents: Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow.
These are synthetic colors allowed in limited quantities and for specific food items only, as determined by FSSAI.
The recent ban in the state of Karnataka specifically targeted the use of these coloring agents:
Cotton candy: The ban applies to Rhodamine B, which was found in some samples.
Gobi Manchurian: This dish faces restrictions on Tartrazine usage.
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