The Karnataka food safety department, on June 24, banned the use of artificial colours in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs across the state.
This decision came after state authorities found unsafe levels of artificial colours, specifically sunset yellow and carmoisine, in some kebab samples.
An investigation by the food safety department revealed that out of 39 kebab samples collected from various locations, seven contained sunset yellow, and one had both sunset yellow and carmoisine.
Also Read: Why has Karnataka banned food colour use in Gobi Manchurian, Cotton Candy?
The department issued an order on June 21, stating, "Such additives, as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products, Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, pose serious health risks to consumers".
"Considering the safety of our citizens, the Karnataka government has banned the use of artificial colors in vegetarian, chicken, and fish kebabs," said Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on June 24.
Violating these regulations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from a minimum of seven years to a life term, and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
In March, the state government had banned the use of artificial colours in other edible items like Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy after carcinogenic chemicals were detected in the artificial colours used.
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