Karnataka Bans Harmful Artificial Colours in Kebabs

The Karnataka Health Department issued a directive on Monday prohibiting the use of artificial colours in the preparation of kebabs, including vegetarian, chicken, and fish varieties. This decision follows reports highlighting the poor quality of kebabs due to artificial colouring, which has been linked to adverse health effects. The department tested 39 samples from across the state, revealing that colours such as sunset yellow and carmosine are unsafe.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasized the government’s commitment to food safety, referencing a prior ban on the colouring agent Rhodamine-B, commonly used in dishes like ‘Gobi Manchurian’ and cotton candy. Gundurao highlighted the risks associated with harmful food colouring agents, noting that substances like Tartrazine, Carmoisine, and Sunset Yellow were frequently found in food samples.

Under Rule 59 of the Food Safety and Quality Act-2006, violations are punishable with imprisonment ranging from seven years to life and fines up to ₹10 lakhs. The health department’s strict measures aim to curb unsafe food practices and ensure the well-being of the public by penalizing establishments using hazardous chemicals in food preparation.

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