Toxic Treats: Karnataka warns against use of cancer-causing dyes in bakery cakes

In addition to cake inspections, the department has been actively testing other food items to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Karnataka government has issued a warning after colouring agents linked to cancer were found in 12 cake samples collected for bakeries in the state.

According to reports, health department officials tested 235 samples. While the majority were found to be safe for consumption, hazardous dyes, including allura red, sunset yellow FCF and carmoisine, were found in 12 samples, including those of  red velvet and black forest cakes, the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department said in a statement.

These chemicals are used to enhance the visual appeal of cakes are often but their use can increase cancer risk and also cause affect mental well-being, it said.

Food safety commissioner Srinivas K warned bakeries against using unsafe chemicals and additives.

“We’ve detected harmful, cancer-causing substances in some of the cake samples tested. These additives are strictly regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and related food safety regulations from 2011,” Hindustan Times cited an official as saying. He said bakeries must adhere to safety standards or face severe consequences.

The advisory comes after the Karnataka government, banned the use of food dyes such as Rhodamine-B in street foods such as cotton candy and gobi manchurian due to significant health risks.

“Consumption of snacks containing these artificial colors may pose long-term health risks, including cancer. Therefore, the health department has taken this necessary action. I urge the public to prioritize health and hygiene above all else,” the Karnataka health minister posted on X earlier this year.