Why did Karnataka Ban Gobi Manchurian & Cotton Candy?

There has been a recent turn of events in Karnataka's dynamic street food industry!

The popular spicy cauliflower dish gobi Manchurian and the sugary childhood cotton candy were at the center of an argument. But the issue wasn't their taste – it was their color.

The Karnataka government prohibited the use of the artificial color Rhodamine B in "Gobi Manchurian" and "cotton candy." Eating snacks that contain artificial coloring may cause long-term health problems, such as cancer. As a result, the health department has taken this necessary action.

On March 11, 2024. Karnataka government issued food vendors instructions not to use the industrial color Rhodamine B in delicious foods like cotton candy and gobi manchurian.

This development follows a similar drive in Tamil Nadu in February when the Karnataka Food and Drugs Department gathered 25 samples of cotton candy. 107 samples out of 171 that were taken from Gobi Manchurian were found to have artificial coloring. Authorities discovered that coloring chemicals were utilized in 15 samples in excess of what was allowed. 6 of the samples was containing Rhodamine B.

In February 2024, The Tamil Nadu Government also banned the sale of cotton candy; hence, the food item contained Rhodamine B after the lab test.

The use of Rhodamine-B as a food additive in manufacturing, packing, selling food, or serving food at weddings and other public events would be punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

Those who break the ban could spend up to seven years in prison. And a fine of 10 Lakh Rupees.

Let us know about the artificial colouring agent used in these steed foods in Karnataka.

So,

What is Rhodamine B?

Rhodamine B (RhB) is a chemical compound commonly employed in synthetic dyes for colouring silk, jute, leather, cotton, and wool, as well as in the cosmetics and plastics industries. Its low cost, however, also makes it a popular choice for food colouring.

Some of the artificial coloring agents FSSAI permitted are:

• Green - Fast Green FCF

• Red - Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine, Erythrosine

• Yellow - Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF

• Blue - Indigo Carmine, Brilliant Blue FCF

How harmful is Rhodamine B?

The compound Rhodamine-B is frequently used as a food colorant, particularly in items like chilli powder and chilli oil. Despite its widespread use, there have been accumulating reports indicating potential health hazards, including skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and debated carcinogenicity.

How to detect Rhodamine B contamination in your food?

One can detect whether Rhodamine is present in the food by following the below methods:

Detection of Rhodamine B in Chilli Powder

• Take 2 grams of the sample in a test tube.

• Add 5 ml of acetone.

• Observe the colour of the acetone layer.

• If Rhodamine B is present. It appears in Red color.

Note: Acetone should not be near open flames as it is a highly flammable solvent. Keep it in the proper cabinet.

Detection of Rhodamine B in sweet potato

• Dip a cotton ball in water or vegetable oil.

• Rub the cotton ball on the outer surface of the sweet potato.

• The sweet potato is safe for consumption if the cotton ball remains clean.

• If the cotton ball turns reddish or violet, it indicates adulteration with Rhodamine B.

In conclusion, the recent action by the Karnataka government to ban the coloring chemical rhodamine B from popular street foods like cotton candy and gobi manchurian is an important move in the right direction for ensuring the health and safety of all people. Rhodamine B, a cheap food coloring that is widely used, has been connected to a number of health hazards, including respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and potentially even cancer. The Commissioner of Food Safety issued a notification on March 11th, which brings the prohibition into immediate force.

Together, let's create a future where our food tastes delicious and free of harmful substances.

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