Karnataka health dept vows action after 52 hotels caught using cancer-causing polythene sheets for idlis

Minister assures action against use of polythene sheets in Idli making in Karnataka

The Food Safety Department of Karnataka has found that 52 hotels using cancer causing polythene sheets to prepare Idlis, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on February 27.

Polythene, according to him, especially the thin sheets, are carcinogenic and the government will not allow such practices in the hotel industry.

Out of 251 hotels 52 were using plastic, the Minister said adding, "The hoteliers should have never done it because plastic is carcinogenic, which means that it can cause cancer. Those carcinogenic elements can enter Idli."

"Food Safety department had collected Idli samples at 251 places across Karnataka. Earlier clothes were used for cooking Idlis but we got the information that recently the hotels have started using plastic. So our officers went to various spots and conducted an inquiry," Rao told reporters, PTI reported.

Stating that action has been initiated in this regard, Rao said a clear message will be sent across and plastic will be banned in food making process.

PC Rao, president of the hotel association, responded to questions about hotels using carcinogenic plastics in food preparation, as per News18. He said, “No reputed hotels use plastic covers in idli preparation. We have already warned all hotels against this practice."

With PTI inputs