Context:
The Karnataka Government’s recent announcement regarding the ban on harmful colorants in popular food items such as cotton candy and Gobi Manchurian is a significant step towards ensuring food safety and public health.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Ban on Harmful Colorants:
- The ban specifically targets the use of Rhodamine B in cotton candy and imposes restrictions on the usage of Tartrazine in Gobi Manchurian.
- Rhodamine B is a chemical compound commonly used as a synthetic dye in various industries, including textiles, cosmetics, and plastics.
- Tartrazine is a bright yellow azo dye often used as a food colorant and is considered a cheaper alternative to natural food dyes.
Food Safety Regulations:
- The ban aligns with the regulations set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- According to the FSSAI’s regulations, no coloring matter should be added to food unless explicitly permitted in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation of 2011.
- This regulation aims to ensure that only safe and approved food additives are used in food processing, thereby safeguarding consumer health.
Public Health Impact:
- By prohibiting the use of harmful colorants in popular food items, the Karnataka Government’s initiative aims to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with the ingestion of such chemicals.
- These colorants may have adverse effects on human health, including allergic reactions and other health complications, particularly when consumed in large quantities over time.
-Source: The Hindu
