Karnataka's Food Safety and Quality Department has issued a warning after detecting cancer-causing ingredients in 12 out of 235 cake samples tested from various bakeries in Bengaluru. The affected cakes contained artificial coloring agents exceeding safe limits. These chemicals are linked to cancer and other health risks, including neurological damage, reproductive problems, and genetic mutations.
List of harmful chemicals detected Found:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Acrylamide,
Artificial colors: Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine
Popular cake varieties like red velvet and black forest are among those found to contain these harmful substances.
12 cakes were found to contain artificial colors like Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine. These chemicals, often used to enhance the visual appeal of cakes such as red velvet and black forest, have been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Overuse of these additives could also have negative impacts on mental and physical health.
Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department
This concern extends beyond cakes, as food safety campaigner Revant Himantsingka notes that artificial colors and preservatives are used in other foods, like tomatoes and apples, to enhance appearance. Additionally, titanium dioxide, banned in Europe and Middle Eastern countries, is still allowed in India.
Government Action:
The Karnataka government has ordered bakeries to comply with safety standards.
Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K warned bakeries against using harmful chemicals and additives.
Bakeries that failed safety tests will re-sample their products.
Consumers are advised to be aware of potential health risks and regulatory bodies must take stronger action against non-compliant bakeries. The department's findings highlight the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry. Consumers should check labels for artificial colors, choose bakeries with good safety records, and demand natural ingredients.
According to food safety and quality standards,
To ensure safety, bakeries must:
Use natural coloring agents
Avoid excessive artificial colors
Comply with food safety regulations
Regularly test products
State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also urged bakeries to comply with food safety and quality standards, or else strict action will be taken against them. The discovery of cancer-causing chemicals in cakes serves as a wake-up call for consumers, bakeries, and regulatory bodies.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)
