No artificial colours in Chicken/ fish kebabs in Karnataka, govt issues order

The Government of Karnataka, Department of Food Safety and Standards, published an order on 21st June 2024 concerning the Veg / Chicken / Fish dishes being sold across the State and further banning the use of artificial colours in the preparation of other kebabs as they may cause health hazards to the public/consumers.

25 June 2024

After banning artificial colours in Gobi Manchurian & Sugar Candy, Health & Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao bans the use of artificial colours in Chicken Kebabs & Fish Dishes across the state. A study across the state found that 39 kebab samples were tested in a laboratory, and eight variants were found to contain harmful artificial colours like sunset yellow and carmoisine. These colours can cause adverse health effects and are prohibited by the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.

The Government of Karnataka, Department of Food Safety and Standards, published a restraining order on 21 June 2024 concerning the Veg / Chicken / Fish being sold across the State and further banning the use of artificial colours in the preparation of other kebabs as they may cause health hazards to the public/consumers.

Concerning the above issue, the samples of kebabs sold across the state have been collected and analyzed in the state laboratories in the wake of reports in the media and public that the quality of kebabs sold across the state is poor due to artificial colouring, which is adversely affecting the health of the public.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has been interpreted to prohibit the use of artificial colours in kebabs, as it is not allowed under Rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, have also been cited. The order also states that a 7-year to life imprisonment under Rule 59 of the Act, 2006, and a fine of up to 10.00 lakhs.