The risks of food colouring, as UP steps up scrutiny, Pg17

Key Highlights:

• Uttar Pradesh's Food Safety and Drug Administration has intensified scrutiny on food colorings, particularly during the festive season.
• The action follows the discovery of non-food grade industrial dyes, such as Rhodamine-B, in food items like chutney.
• New guidelines prohibit adding colors to certain street foods like chutney, cotton candy, and ice lollies, advising natural alternatives.
• The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 provides for penalties ranging from a fine of ₹3 lakh to six months imprisonment for violations.

Detailed Insights:

• The guidelines specifically target the use of industrial dyes like Rhodamine-B, Metanil Yellow, Butter Yellow, Orange II, and Sudan dyes in food.
• These prohibited dyes are commonly used in textiles and paper, and their consumption can lead to severe health issues, including liver dysfunction, cancer, and acute poisoning.
• For instance, Rhodamine-B has been linked to liver dysfunction and cancer with long-term exposure, and acute poisoning in large amounts.
• The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, permit artificial colors only for specific food categories and within prescribed limits.
• Vendors are advised to use natural ingredients like tomatoes, beetroot, coriander, mint, Kashmiri red chilli, and degi mirch for color and flavor in food preparations.
• The issue highlights the challenge of ensuring food safety, especially among roadside vendors in smaller cities who may be unaware of the dyes' harmful effects.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: The primary law governing food safety and standards in India, establishing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• Rhodamine-B: An industrial dye primarily used in textiles and paper, strictly prohibited for use in food due to its carcinogenic and toxic properties.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): An autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.