Karnataka's health department has recently issued a notification banning the use of artificial colors in kebabs sold in the market, an initiative aimed at promoting healthier living.
State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the decision on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, warning that food vendors who violate this rule could face severe penalties, including up to seven years in jail and fines up to Rs. 10 lakhs.
The decision came after laboratory tests on 39 samples of eight different kebab variants revealed the presence of artificial colors, such as sunset yellow and carmoisine, which can pose health risks. This move quickly gained widespread support online, with many people lauding the government's efforts and suggesting further measures to enhance food safety.
One user commented, "Sir, this is a very good initiative. Do you have any portal to complain about those restaurants who use artificial color? Also, please deploy your team to raid all the ambur biryani and kebab shops."
Another person emphasized the need for regular inspections, stating, "This is a good citizen-centric order that will be effective with regular checks by officials. Will BBMP officials check wedding/party halls that are illegally running kitchens on a catering license? They are catering to crowds while operating in unhygienic and unsafe conditions."
Other users extended the discussion to broader food safety concerns.
One suggested, "Good decision. Please also ban the usage of plastic sheets for making idli and supply of hot lunch and dishes in plastic trays and cans." Another added, "Good move, but why ban only on kebabs? Why not in all food items? I am sure it's been used in all other foods like sweets, ice creams, gravies, fried rice, etc. In my opinion, it should be banned for all food items."
Some comments called for a more comprehensive ban on artificial colors in all foods. One user remarked, "Sir, please ban these artificial colors completely, instead of banning it on particular dishes!"
This isn't the first time Karnataka has taken such steps.
In March, the government banned the use of Rhodamine-B, a coloring agent commonly found in foods like gobhi manchurian and cotton candy. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao affirmed that strict action would be taken against any restaurants using such chemicals in food preparation, as reported by PTI.