Banned colouring agents used in green peas detected by health officials in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Health officials conduct checks on as many as 251 idli-makers in Bengaluru city and came across 52 of them were using plastic in cooking idlis which could lead to cancer. Besides, health officials have also come across about 10 traders using banned colouring agents in green peas.

Use of plastic in cooking idlis by makers will attract action from officials concerned, stated Minister of Health and Family Welfare Services Dinesh Gundu Rao and checks by health officials on idli-makers were held after complaints of increased use of plastics among idli-makers.

Speaking to reporters, Rao on Thursday stated use of plastic in idli making is banned but some of the idli makers have switched to plastic sheets to apply idli batter to boil it in a closed vessel before serving it to customers.

Earlier, idli makers used clothes made of cotton/plantation leaves which are okay but with the use of plastics, consumers will be exposed to carcinogenic posing risk of cancer, he said.

Rao said erring idli-makers will face action and 52 found to use plastic sheets will be penalized by health officials and he asked idli-makers to refrain from using plastics considering the risk factors on human health. The use of plastics in idli-making is banned and its use will be health hazardous.

“Plastic use is not for cooking,” said the Minister and asked the residents to report any incidence of use of plastic sheets in idli-making to enable officials concerned to initiate action against the guilty.

Besides, checks by health officials also came across about 10 samples of banned colouring agents in green peas.

The colouring agents in green peas have been used by traders to give peas a lush green colour in a bid to entice customers and erring traders will face cases including paying up to a penalty amount imposed on them. Cases have been booked against traders found using banned colouring agents in green peas.