Food safety officials are currently analyzing the situation to decide how to enforce food safety standards in smaller restaurants and what actions can be taken against violators.
Bengaluru: Nearly 22% of the pani puri samples sold in the state did not meet quality standards, according to information gathered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Karnataka.
41 of the 260 pani puri samples that were gathered from all over the state were deemed dangerous because they included chemicals that cause cancer and artificial coloring. Eighteen more were judged to be of low quality and therefore unfit for human consumption.
Commissioner of Food Safety Srinivas K. confirmed the development in an interview with DH, stating that the authority received multiple complaints before deciding to test the pani puri’s quality.
As one of the most well-liked chaat items, we regularly got complaints about the poor quality of the preparation. We gathered samples from every type of establishment in the state, from popular restaurants to roadside eateries. Numerous samples were found to be unsafe for ingestion based on the test results, according to Srinivas.
The findings showed that artificial colorings like tartrazine, brilliant blue, and sunset yellow were used by the restaurants. The Dean of the Centre for Academic Research at the HCG Cancer Centre, Dr. Vishal Rao, told DH that these artificial colors could have a variety of negative health effects.
“From simple upset stomachs to cardiac problems, these artificial colors may result in a range of health issues. A few may even harm the kidneys or induce autoimmune disorders. Since they add nothing else to food and only serve to enhance its appearance, it is imperative that we cease using them, according to Dr. Rao.
Food safety officials are currently researching ways to enforce food safety standards on smaller restaurants and potential sanctions to be applied to violators. “To determine the effects of these chemicals, we are analyzing the data. We have discussed the matter with the Health Department as well,” Srinivas continued.
In response to public complaints, the Food Safety Department also intends to inspect the quality of a number of other food products.
Following similar reports, the FSSAI in Karnataka recently outlawed the use of artificial coloring in kebabs, gobi manchurian, and cotton candy.
A crisp warning
260 pani puri samples collected from across the state.
41 samples were dangerous because they included chemicals that cause cancer and artificial coloring.
Eighteen samples were found to be low quality and therefore unfit for human consumption.
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