K'taka bans colours in Gobi Manchurian, Cotton Candy

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Monday prohibited usage of artificial colours in 'Gobi Manchurian' and 'Cotton Candy' in the state as their usage causes adverse effects on public health, especially children.

According to the food safety and quality department, samples of 'Gobi Manchurian' and 'Cotton Candy' being sold across the state were collected and analysed in laboratories.

Officials collected 171 samples of 'Gobi Manchurian', out of which 107 were found to have unsafe artificial colours such as 'Tartrazine', 'Sunset Yellow' and 'Carmoisine.'

Meanwhile, out of the 25 samples of ‘Cotton Candy' collected, 15 were found to be having unsafe artificial colours like 'Tartrazine', 'Sunset Yellow' and 'Rhodamine B'.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 rule (31), usage of these artificial colours are unsafe, it was noted. Citing the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, officials said no artificial colour can be used in preparation of ‘Gobi Manchurian' and in case of ‘Cotton Candy', no artificial colour which is not permitted can be used.

Those permitted can be used only in the prescribed quantity. Based on the results, the Food Safety Commissioner has ordered a ban on usage of any artificial colour in preparation of 'Gobi Manchurian'.

In the case of 'Cotton Candy', the Commissioner has prohibited use of artificial colour over and above the prescribed limits and usage of colours like 'Rhodamine B' and other artificial colours that are not permitted.

In case of any violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act – 2006 rule 59, the department can file a case in court which can lead to imprisonment from seven years to life term and fine up to Rs 10 lakh, officials said.