Doctors on Tuesday called for stricter and wider regulations on harmful artificial food colours , a day after Karnataka banned their use over potential health concerns. Karnataka’s Food Safety and Standards Department on Monday passed an order imposing a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and punishment from seven years up to life imprisonment for using artificial colours in chicken kebabs, fish, and vegetable dishes across the state. ADVERTISEMENT Artificial food colourings enhance food's visual appeal and stability, which can boost consumer satisfaction.
However, dyes like Sunset Yellow, Carmoisine, and Rhodamine-B pose health risks, including allergies, hyperactivity in children, and . “Recent tests in Karnataka revealed hazardous levels of these dyes in kebabs, leading to public health concerns. Given these risks, there is a strong case for stricter regulations or broader bans on harmful artificial colours,” shares Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, consultant, internal medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.
“Encouraging the use of natural alternatives and increasing public awareness about the dangers of synthetic dyes can help protect consumer health and promote safer food practices,” the doctor added. Dr Piyush Ranjan, senior consultant & Vice Chairman, Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told us that some synthetic colouring agents affect children and can cause aggressive behaviour in them. “Some of these agents may also be carcinogenic and thyroid ca.