COLOURING AGENTS
2. Survey Findings on Harmful Chemicals in Food Samples
During the survey conducted in the state, samples were collected between February 12 and subjected to laboratory tests. The results indicated the presence of harmful chemicals in numerous samples:
- Out of 25 cotton candy samples, 15 were labeled as unsafe due to the presence of added colors, while the remaining were deemed safe as they were prepared without the use of such colors.
- Among the 171 gobi manchurian samples tested, 107 were categorized as unsafe due to the inclusion of added colors, while the remaining 64 were considered safe as they did not contain any added colors.
3. Identification of Harmful Chemicals in Unsafe Samples
The unsafe samples containing added colors were found to contain specific harmful chemicals:
- Cotton candy samples showed traces of sunset yellow, tartrazine, and rhodamine-b.
- Gobi manchurian samples also had tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carmoisine.
Of particular concern is the use of rhodamine-b, which is already banned due to its status as a suspected carcinogen. Regarding tartrazine, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao explained that while it is an approved artificial food color, there are restrictions on its usage. These restrictions include specific food items where it can be used and prescribed amounts, primarily for packed food items and not for freshly prepared food items.
The Food Safety Commissioner highlighted that the prolonged consumption of snacks containing artificial colors can lead to severe health consequences, including the risk of deadly diseases such as cancer.
4. Penalties for Violating Food Safety Regulations
According to Rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulation 2011), the use of artificial colors in the preparation of gobi manchurian is strictly prohibited. Similarly, certain food colors are allowed within approved limits, while banned colors such as rhodamine-b are prohibited in the preparation of cotton candy.
Offenders who violate these regulations face severe penalties, including:
- Cancellation of their commercial license.
- Hefty fines imposed as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, which stipulates a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
- Potential jail terms ranging from a minimum of seven years to life imprisonment for those found guilty of using banned chemical substances in food products.
These penalties serve as strong deterrents to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect consumers from the harmful effects of unauthorized food additives.
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For Prelims: artificial colors, coloring agents, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
For Mains:
1. As a public health official, how would you approach the challenge of raising awareness about food safety among street food vendors and consumers? (250 words)
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