Gobi Manchurian business in Bengaluru falls by 80% after ban on Rhodamine-B use: report

Gobi Manchurian traders in Bengaluru also said that the customer demand for uncoloured version of the food item was bleak and added that earnings had reduced significantly over the past few days.(Representational Image).

On March 11, the Karnataka government carried out a clampdown on food colouring agents that were found in Gobi Manchurian and Cotton Candy in the state due to the rising concerns over the use of artificial colouring agents, especially Rhodamine-B, which was recognised as potentially impacting human health.

The ban on the use of artificial colouring agents has had a direct impact on Gobi Manchurian demand in the city, with a report on The Hans India stating that businesses in Bengaluru had witnessed a 80 per cent fall ever since the decision was taken.

Additionally, Gobi Manchurian traders also said that the customer demand for uncoloured version of the food item was bleak and added that earnings had reduced significantly over the past few days.

"Uncoloured Gobi Manchurian are not accepted by consumers. Doing business and making a living has become a big challenge. Earlier we were doing business of Rs 10,000 per day. Now doing business of Rs 5,000 has become difficult. Even the invested capital has not returned. Currently we are making natural Gobi without using any colour. Even so, people are not coming," Rajesh Y, a stall owner in the city, said.

Rajesh admitted that the ban on the use of artificial colouring agents was " a big blow" to businessman and revealed that he made chemical-free Gobi Manchurian at his stall.

"I came to know that they are doing natural Gobi. Hence, it is recommended to take Gobi. Here, Gobi is prepared without using any chemicals. Some customers said that they can eat with confidence. In general, the chemical ban on Gobi has given a big blow to the businessmen, so many businessmen have started saying that they don't want to do Gobi business," he said.

The state government had clarified that the ban excluded natural variants such as white cotton candy.