One of the most favourite dishes India likes to consume is Pani Puri, especially from the roadside stalls, no matter the weather. However, it seems like the favourite snack is not safe anymore. As per a recent report by Live Mint, the food safety officials in Karnataka stated that about 22 percent of the Pani Puri samples that they collected did not meet safety standards. Out of 260 samples, which were collected, artificial colours and carcinogenic agents, that cause cancer, were found in 41 samples. About 18 samples were reported to be unfit for human consumption.
During an interaction with the Deccan Herald, Commissioner Srinivas K told the media publication that the food safety department received several complaints about the quality of Pani Puri that was served on the roadside stalls of Karnataka. Quoted by Live Mint, he went on to add, “We collected samples from roadside stalls to decent restaurants from all over the state. Many samples were found in a stale state and unfit for human consumption.” The commissioner also stated that chemicals like brilliant blue, sunset yellow, and tartrazine were found in the Pani Puri samples. These chemicals “can potentially cause various health issues.”
For those who don’t know, the Karnataka government banned the food colouring agent Rhodamine-B, earlier this year. As reported by Live Mint, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said stringent action will be taken against sellers if they use such chemicals in their restaurants. He added, “Food safety in the state is our priority, and we will be inspecting more dishes to find out what colouring agents are being used in them.”
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Rao even warned people to be aware of what kind of food item they are consuming and what goes in it. He had said, “The restaurant owners must also be responsible enough to maintain hygiene. Otherwise, strict action will be taken.” Rhodamine-B is widely used in foods like gobi manchurian and cotton candy.
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