• Source:ANI
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The Karnataka government on Monday banned the use of Rhodamine-B, a hazardous food colouring agent found in popular dishes like Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao announced the ban after a special drive revealed the widespread use of this and other harmful chemicals in food items.

The health minister highlighted the risks associated with unsafe food practices, citing positive tests for Rhodamine-B and other artificial colours like Tartrazine, Carmoisine, and Sunset Yellow in various food samples. 

"We have done a special drive on the gobi manchurian dish and found that harmful Rhodamine-B is being used to make the dish. It is a health-hazardous colouring agent," Dinesh Gundurao said. He added that restaurants and eateries using such chemicals will face severe penalties, including registration of cases by the food safety team.

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"Not following the government order can lead to seven years or life imprisonment, and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh will also be slapped," the health minister said to media persons while announcing the decision on Monday.

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This initiative aligns with recent actions taken by neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, which banned the sale of cotton candy due to the detection of cancer-causing chemicals. Additionally, the Karnataka government introduced legislation to raise the legal age for cigarette sales from 18 to 21 years last month, emphasising the government’s commitment to public health.