Syllabus: GS-III, Subject: Science & Technology, Topic: Medical science and Health, Issue: Food color
Context: Karnataka became the third State in South India to ban the use of certain coloring agents in cotton candy and gobi manchurian.
Harmful Chemicals:
- Rhodamine-b, a suspected carcinogen,is prohibited in food products.
- Tartrazine is permitted only in specific packed foods in prescribed amounts.
- The Food Safety Commissioner under Rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, notified the ban on harmful chemicals.
The way ahead:
- Raise awareness among manufacturers and advise consumer caution regarding artificial colors in food.
- Advocate minimal consumption of food items containing artificial colors.
- Random inspections for compliance with legal regulations.