Experts call for stricter, wider regulations on harmful artificial food colours

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 Karnatakarsquos 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 stateArtificial food colourings enhance foods visual appeal and stability which can boost consumer satisfaction However dyes like Sunset Yellow Carmoisine and RhodamineB pose health risks including allergies hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effectsldquoRecent 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 coloursrdquo shares Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar consultant internal medicine Aster Whitefield Hospital BengaluruldquoEncouraging the use of natural alternatives and increasing public awareness about the dangers of synthetic dyes can help protect consumer health and promote safer food practicesrdquo the doctor addedDr Piyush Ranjan senior consultant amp Vice Chairman Department of Gastroenterology Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told us that some synthetic colouring agents affect children and can cause aggressive behaviour in themldquoSome of these agents may also be carcinogenic and thyroid cancers have been reported Issues of allergy and asthma may also be associated with the use of artificial colouring agentsrdquo he addedIn March Karnataka banned the use of RhodamineB an artificial colouring agent used in gobi manchurian and cotton candyVanshika Bhardwaj senior dietician Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram told us that consumption of these artificial food colours can lead to oxidative stress increase cell apoptosis and affect the brainstemldquoRhodamineB appears green in powder forms and it turns vivid fluorescent pink with water It damages the kidney and liver and increases the risk of Stomach tumour Regular consumption of food containing this can damage the cerebellum tissue in the brain and result in functional abnormalitiesrdquo she addedVanshika informed that the colours have been linked to allergic reactions hyperactivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD in children as well as potential carcinogenic effects and organ damageldquoConsidering these risks there is a strong argument for banning artificial food colours to prioritise public health and safety Stringent regulations and labelling requirements are necessary to inform consumers allowing them to make informed choices about consuming products with artificial coloursrdquo the dietician saidAlso read Routine checks up and screenings men over 40 must considerThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever