Listen to Story Cancer-causing agents were recently found in cake samples by Karnataka's food regulator. During the crackdown, the state's Food Safety and Quality Department warned local bakeries about selling cakes that contain excessive amounts of artificial colourants. The health officials found 223 out of 235 cake samples to be safe for consumption while 12 samples contained cancer-causing elements, mostly artificial dyes like Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine, among others.
These dyes were present in varieties like red velvet and black forest. In a statement , the state's food safety and quality regulator said that the high use of artificial colours not only increases cancer risks but may also harm mental and physical health. Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K also warned bakeries against using harmful chemicals and artificial colourings in their cakes, which were added more than their prescribed standard by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
According to the FSSAI guidelines, most of the food colourings should be 100mg per kg. Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine should be added to food items with a maximum amount of 100mg per kg. Food Safety Commissioner warned bakeries against using harmful chemicals and artificial colourings in their cakes.
(Photo: Getty Images) This alert comes after the health officials banned food sellers from adding Rhodamine-B in cotton candy and 'gobi m.