Concerns are rising over the safety of a beloved street snack, pani puri, in Karnataka.
The state's health department is currently investigating reports of carcinogenic coloring agents being used in pani puri water. This scrutiny follows similar health alerts about other street foods.
The investigation, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has seen officials collect over 200 samples of pani puri from various locations, including street vendors, wedding halls, shopping malls, and areas near parks, educational institutions, and offices.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, has pledged decisive action if tests confirm the presence of cancer-causing chemicals. "As we have banned artificial colors in cotton candy, gobi manchurian, and kebabs, we are now focusing on pani puri. Many samples have already failed food safety tests, showing traces of cancer reagents," he stated.
The minister emphasized that further analysis is underway. He urged the public to prioritize their health by avoiding food items that could be harmful and to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. His tweet on the matter has gone viral, sparking significant public concern and discussion.
One user commented, "Dinesh Sir, Hats off to you; you are doing a great job. Please ban ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate); it is widely used in fast foods and some hotels. It adds good taste to the food but is very dangerous to health."
Another remarked, "This is concerning news. Food safety should be a priority everywhere. Let's hope for stricter regulations and better enforcement to protect public health."
A third user noted, "That shouldn't be surprising. Food safety laws in India are neglected by everyone."
The health department's investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure food safety and protect public health across Karnataka.