Artificial colouring of cake can cause cancer !

Cancer-causing agents were recently found in cake samples by Karnataka's food regulator. During the crackdown, the state's Food Safety and Quality Department warned local bakeries about selling cakes that contain excessive amounts of artificial colourants.

The health officials found 223 out of 235 cake samples to be safe for consumption while 12 samples contained cancer-causing elements, mostly artificial dyes like Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine, among others. These dyes were present in varieties like red velvet and black forest.

In a statement, the state's food safety and quality regulator said that the high use of artificial colours not only increases cancer risks but may also harm mental and physical health.

Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K also warned bakeries against using harmful chemicals and artificial colourings in their cakes, which were added more than their prescribed standard by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

According to the FSSAI guidelines, most of the food colourings should be 100mg per kg. Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine should be added to food items with a maximum amount of 100mg per kg.

This alert comes after health officials banned food sellers from adding Rhodamine-B in cotton candy and 'gobi manchurian'. A violation of this ban could result in imprisonment for up to 7 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.

"Consumption of snacks containing these artificial colours may pose long-term health risks, including cancer. Therefore, the health department has taken this necessary action. I urge the public to prioritise health and hygiene above all else," the Karnataka Health Minister wrote in a post on X in March.

Artificial food colours are synthetic dyes made from chemicals, often derived from petroleum. They are used to enhance the appearance of food, making it more visually attractive.

Common artificial food colourants include Allura Red AC (Red 40), Tartrazine (Yellow 5), Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6), Brilliant Blue (Blue 1), Carmoisine, and Ponceau 4R (Red 7). These colours are approved by food safety authorities worldwide, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and even India's FSSAI. However, debates continue over their long-term health effects.