Who doesn’t love cakes from fancy bakeries? The creamy indulgence is perfect for any celebration, be it a birthday, anniversary or a promotional party. Cakes have always taken centre stage, and people have loved them since time unknown. But can cake cause cancer? A recent investigation by the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department under FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has exercised caution on the consumption of cakes. The department has issued a serious warning about the potential use of carcinogenic ingredients in cakes prepared in bakeries across Karnataka. This warning comes after the raised concerns regarding the presence of cancer-causing chemicals on popular food items like gobi manchurian, kababs and pani puri.

Several tests were conducted on cakes from different bakeries in Bengaluru that revealed that 12 varieties contained cancer-causing agents, as reported in the news daily, Vijayavani. Based on this issue, the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department is urging bakeries to adhere to food safety and quality guidelines, stressing that these artificial colours not only heighten cancer risks but could also lead to various physical and mental health issues. Cancer Causing Pani Puri, Artificial Food Colours in Kebabs, Cotton Candies, and Manchurian in Karnataka That Pose Serious Concerns About Food Safety Among Street Food Lovers.

Popular Cake Varieties Pose a Higher Risk

The revelations have caused concern among the cake lovers. Their popular choices, like red velvet and black forest, known for their visually striking artificial colours, have been identified as posing a significant threat to health. Cake samples that have been tested show the presence of harmful artificial colours, including Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponso 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine.

Do Artificial Colours Cause Cancer?

Several incidents have shown that chemicals found in food colours have an increasing effect on human health. Artificial food colours are widely used in a variety of processed foods like candies, soft drinks, cereals, and baked goods. Although these additives make foods look more appealing, concerns have been raised about their potential link to cancer.

However, no direct connection between food coloring dyes and cancer in humans has been proven. Global health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), monitor the safety of food additives, including artificial colours.

Is It Worrying?

Although there is some evidence that high doses of artificial food colours may cause cancer in animals, research on humans regarding the same is relatively few. However, high consumption of cakes and other baked goods can lead to an increase in several diseases, including cancer. Notably, food colours and flavouring agents are used for the appealing look and flavour. The FSSAI has allowed the use of certain colours like chlorophyll, caramel, saffron, etc. Thus, be cautious about what you’re eating. Try to limit the consumption of high-calorie desserts from outside. Try preparing cakes and baked goods at home using natural ingredients.

The investigation highlights the need for increased vigilance in the food industry and for consumers to demand safer, healthier food options. The discovery of cancer-causing agents in something as common as cake is a stark reminder of the importance of food safety in our everyday lives.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2024 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).