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The ban on Gobi Manchurian and Cotton Candy by the Karnataka government has highlighted the harmful effects of artificial colors in foods. This decision was taken due to the adverse health effects associated with these synthetic additives. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reiterated that ‘tartrazine’ is acceptable in minimal quantities in packaged foods, but its large-scale use in food preparation by eateries poses significant health hazards. (Also read: Karnataka government bans Rhodamine-B food color used in Gobi Manchurian)
Synthetic food colors are chemicals that are added to food to improve the appearance and attractiveness of dishes. Some common food colors are tartrazine, sunset yellow, amaranth, allura red, quinoline yellow, brilliant blue, and indigo carmine. It is advisable to avoid dyed foods to prevent health risks, be it allergic reactions or cancer.
“Artificial coloring has become seamlessly integrated into the modern food industry, enhancing the visual appeal of countless products. Yet, questions remain about its health effects. The widespread use of synthetic coloring agents in processed foods have prompted investigation of potential risks and regulatory interventions. These colors, whether natural or synthetic, are added to food and beverages to enhance their appearance. Although they are appealing to the eye, their safety remains disputed . Studies indicate a link between the consumption of artificial colors and health disorders in children like hyperactivity, allergic reactions and even cancer,” says Charu Dua, chief clinical nutritionist, Amrita Hospital Faridabad .
Harmful effects of food colors on health
“Artificial food colors have harmful effects on our health. These synthetic additives, which are often found in popular foods like candies, soft drinks and packaged snacks, roadside snacks, have been linked to various health problems in children, including hyperactivity, allergies, are linked to problems. Intolerance even to cancer. Like the cautionary tale of Gobi Manchurian, where what seems pleasurable hides harmful consequences, these vibrant colors in our food hide a toxic reality. It is important for consumers to be vigilant about reading labels and choosing natural alternatives to protect their well-being.” Even consumers should consider chemical usage and be careful in choosing foods from restaurants or roadside,” says Dr Suparna Mukherjee, Clinical Nutrition, Narayana Health City, Bangalore.
“The increasing presence of artificial food colors in our diets is a growing concern, evident in everything from vibrant candies and sodas to processed snacks and even some ethnic dishes like Gobi Manchurian. Even though these synthetic colors may be hiding potential health risks. The widespread use of these colors, found in baked goods, breakfast cereals and some packaged fruit juices, highlights the challenge consumers face in avoiding them. Gobi Manchurian’s The case underlines the deceptive nature of such foods, which promise taste and visual satisfaction at the potential expense of health. It’s important to move toward natural, unprocessed options, highlighting the importance of being cautious about our food choices. Choosing such foods not only protects our health but also helps in the well-being of future generations. Emphasizing on a holistic approach to nutrition,” says Roshan Kore, consultant dietitian, NHSRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. They say.
“Excessive use of food coloring can be harmful, even within permitted limits. Unfortunately, some individuals, often due to lack of proper education, may not realize the risks of excessive use of coloring agents. In some cases, restaurants, street food vendors and sweet shops may resort to it. Industrial dyes such as malachite green or methanil yellow are used due to their affordability and accessibility. However, these substances can be highly toxic. For example, consumption of metanil yellow has been associated with symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, vomiting, and cyanosis. Similarly, lead chromate, used to color chili powder, resulted in lead poisoning in Gurkha soldiers, causing abdominal pain. Pain, nausea, constipation and anemia have occurred. Allergic reactions to artificial colors further underline the importance of caution. Tartrazine (E102) and sunset yellow (E110) are among the culprits in causing adverse reactions, says Dua. , which emphasize the need for cautious labeling.”
Food colors under FSSAI: Are there any restrictions on them?
As per FSSAI rules, it is mandatory to disclose additives on food labels. These additives are listed along with the ingredients, which are categorized under labels such as antioxidants, acidity regulators, emulsifiers, etc. In addition, the specific names of the additives or their INS/E numbers are provided. The International Numbering System (INS) assigns numbers to common additives, helping consumers identify chemical additives present in packaged foods.
But why should consumers be concerned about the specific chemicals added? Is it not enough to know whether any preservatives or artificial colors are present?
“For individuals sensitive to certain additives, knowing the exact chemicals can be important. This information empowers them to avoid foods with additives to which they are allergic. Regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) set guidelines to control artificial substances. coloring agents. These include acceptable daily intake (ADI) limits, which ensure safe levels of consumption over a lifetime. In addition, generally as safe Recognized (GRAS) status identifies colors deemed safe within defined limits. Labeling rules by FSSAI mandate clear disclosure of additives, empowering consumers to make informed choices. “It contains permitted dyes,” says Dua. Declarations such as “Contains synthetic food colors” inform buyers about the presence of artificial colors.
Dua says, “Despite regulations, misuse of colors continues, sometimes with serious consequences. Cases of use of industrial colors in foods highlight the need for strict enforcement and public awareness. These toxic substances can lead to poisoning, including “Can cause serious health problems.”
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