Karnataka bans use of harmful colouring agents in Cotton Candy and Gobi Manchurian

The findings of a survey, conducted from February 12, reveal that the samples with artificial colouring agents were unsafe for consumption as per The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.

Karnataka Government has banned the use of harmful colouring agents in cotton candy and Gobi Manchurian, and warned of severe action against offenders.

“We have decided to ban the use of Rodamine B, the colouring agent used in cotton candy. As per the existing law, Rodamine B is already banned. There is no ban on sale of white cotton candy,” Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told mediapersons in Bengaluru on March 11.

The ban comes into effect immediately with a notification issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety on March 11.

The Public Health Department had collected samples of coloured cotton candy and Gobi Manchurian. Laboratory tests revealed the use of harmful colouring agents.

Of the 25 samples of cotton candy, 15 contained Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine and Rodamine B. Of the 171 samples of Gobi Manchurian, 107 were found to contain Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine.

The findings of a survey, conducted from February 12, reveal that the samples with artificial colouring agents were unsafe for consumption as per The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.

With respect to the use of Tartrazine in Gobi Manchurian, the Minister said that though Tartrazine is an approved artificial food colour, there are restrictions on its usage. “There are a list of food items in which it can used, and the quantum to be used is also prescribed. This is for packed food items. However, Tartrazine cannot be used for a freshly prepared food item,” Mr. Rao explained.