Bengaluru, July 2: Karnataka’s food safety officials have found bacteria that could prove harmful to human health in shawarma samples. In a recent crackdown against the rampant use of synthetic and artificial colours in food items, the food safety unit has intensified inspections across various food stalls in the state. This follows the discovery of carcinogenic agents in pani puris.

According to the report published by the Times of India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSA) collected shawarma samples from 10 districts, including restaurants within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. The findings were alarming, with most samples deemed poor quality and hazardous to human health. Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Pani Puri: Carcinogenic Agents Found in Street Food Samples in Karnataka.

FSSA Officials Find Cancer-Causing Chemicals In Pani Puri

Harmful Bacteria in Shawarma

A senior FSSA official stated, “Out of 17 samples we collected, 8 were found in unhygienic conditions. Unhealthy bacteria and yeast were detected in these shawarma samples, posing severe health risks. We will take action against restaurants not adhering to safety standards.”

Cancer-Causing Agents in Pani Puri

Earlier, food safety officials revealed that 22% of pani puri samples failed safety standards. Of the 260 samples collected, 41 contained artificial colours and carcinogenic agents, while 18 were unfit for human consumption. Artificial Colours Banned for Kebab Preparation in Karnataka: State Health Department Bans Harmful Artificial Colours in Veg and Non-Veg Kebabs, Citing Test Results.

The Karnataka government has already banned the food colouring agent Rhodamine-B, commonly used in dishes like gobi manchurian and cotton candy. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized that stringent action will be taken against sellers using these banned chemicals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2024 01:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).