Karnataka News Today Photo : iStockBengaluru: In a concerning revelation for food lovers across Karnataka, recent tests by food safety officials have uncovered alarming results regarding the popular street food, Pani Puri aka Gol Gappe and Puchkas.
Out of 260 samples collected from various sources including roadside stalls and restaurants, 22 percent failed to meet safety standards.
Srinivas K, the commissioner for food safety, addressed the issue, stating, "We received many complaints about the quality of Pani Puri served across the state.
Earlier actions by the Karnataka government, including banning the use of Rhodamine-B in dishes like gobi manchurian and cotton candy, underscore their commitment to food safety.
Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Food safety is our top priority.
Karnataka News Today Photo : iStock
Bengaluru: In a concerning revelation for food lovers across Karnataka, recent tests by food safety officials have uncovered alarming results regarding the popular street food, Pani Puri aka Gol Gappe and Puchkas. Out of 260 samples collected from various sources including roadside stalls and restaurants, 22 percent failed to meet safety standards.
Officials discovered that 41 samples contained artificial colours and carcinogenic agents, substances known to pose serious health risks including cancer. An additional 18 samples were deemed unfit for human consumption due to being stale or otherwise contaminated.
Srinivas K, the commissioner for food safety, addressed the issue, stating, "We received many complaints about the quality of Pani Puri served across the state. Our inspections revealed widespread issues from roadside vendors to higher-end establishments."
The chemicals identified in the samples, such as brilliant blue, sunset yellow, and tartrazine, are known additives that can lead to various health problems, as per HT report.
Earlier actions by the Karnataka government, including banning the use of Rhodamine-B in dishes like gobi manchurian and cotton candy, underscore their commitment to food safety. Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Food safety is our top priority. We will continue inspections to identify harmful additives and hold responsible parties accountable."
This development follows a similar move by Tamil Nadu earlier this year, which banned cotton candy due to the presence of Rhodamine-B and other textile dyes harmful to health.
As concerns grow over food safety standards, authorities urge consumers to remain vigilant about the foods they consume, while pledging strict enforcement against violators to safeguard public health.
