Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found In Pani Puri Samples Across Karnataka

Food safety officials in Karnataka have discovered cancer-causing chemicals in Pani Puri, a beloved street food, according to media reports. Testing revealed that 22% of the samples collected did not meet safety standards. Out of 260 samples tested, artificial colors and carcinogenic agents were detected in 41 samples, while an additional 18 samples were deemed unfit for human consumption.

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“We received numerous complaints about the quality of Pani Puri served on streets across the state. We collected samples from roadside stalls and restaurants throughout Karnataka. Many samples were found to be stale and unfit for human consumption,” said Srinivas K, Commissioner for Food Safety, to the Deccan Herald. Chemicals such as brilliant blue, sunset yellow, and tartrazine, known to cause various health issues, were found in the samples.

Previously, the Karnataka government banned the food coloring agent Rhodamine-B, used in dishes like gobhi manchurian and cotton candy. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized that strict action would be taken against sellers using these harmful chemicals.

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Karnataka Cracks Down on Harmful Food Coloring Agents

“Food safety in the state is our priority, and we will be inspecting more dishes to determine what coloring agents are being used. People should be aware of what they are consuming. Restaurant owners must maintain hygiene, or strict action will be taken,” said Rao.

In February, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale and consumption of cotton candy after discovering harmful Rhodamine-B and textile dye in the product. Rhodamine-B, used as a tracer dye in water, is detectable with fluorometers and is known to fluoresce. Studies suggest that Rhodamine-B can cause cell death, tissue damage, and is considered a carcinogen, posing significant health risks.

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