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The ban imposed by the state government of Karnataka on March 11, that prevented the use of artificial food colouring in food items like gobi manchurian and cotton candy has resulted in a plummet of the sales of the former. The state government’s action to curb the use of food colour stemmed from the concerns for public health since most edible enhancers contained traces of poisonous chemicals like Rhodamine-B – which might have adverse effects on physical health, if consumed frequently.
The prohibition has since then resulted in a significant decline in the demand for the delicacy in and around Bengaluru – with 80% customers avoiding ordering it from eateries where food colouring is not being used. As per a report published by Hans India, uncoloured variants are not as welcome for diners, resulting in losses for business owners who have the item listed on the menu. Some of them have even gone to the extent of offering ‘chemical-free’ options, in the hope that business would bounce back one way or another.
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The state’s health minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao also mentioned while interacting with the press that gobi manchurian drives were conducted around the city. He also mentioned that if any of the vendors were caught flouting the rules of the ban, it might lead to seven years of imprisonment or a fine of 10 lakh Rupees. Further adding that these drives will continue to be conducted periodically, Rao also mentioned that other food items will also be under the scanner for using artificial colouring agents.
