The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department urged bakeries in the city to comply with food quality and safety standards. They also stressed the importance of ignoring the use of artificial colours as not only does that increase cancer risk but also contributes to physical and mental health problems.
It was found that red velvet and black forest cakes were most likely to cause health problems as the artificial colours used in them cause a great deal of damage.
New Delhi: A few months ago, cancer-causing components were found in India’s favourite street food pani puri. And now, it is the time for cakes to stand trial for being safe enough for intake. A celebration staple, popular cake varieties and flavours such as black forest and red velvet have come under the radar for posing health risks and for housing deadly, cancer-causing chemicals. The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has advised caution and has issued a critical warning regarding the presence of potentially deadly ingredients in these cakes. Earlier, foods like gobi manchurian, kebabs and cotton candy were under scrutiny for the same.
For this, tests were conducted on cakes from several Bengaluru bakeries and it was found that 12 varieties of cakes were the riskiest as they contained cancer-causing agents. Responding to this, the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department urged bakeries in the city to comply with food quality and safety standards. They also stressed the importance of ignoring the use of artificial colours as not only does that increase cancer risk but also contributes to physical and mental health problems.
Which cakes are most likely to heighten cancer risk?
It was found that red velvet and black forest cakes were most likely to cause health problems as the artificial colours used in them cause a great deal of damage. The most common colours used in these cakes are:
- Allura Red
- Sunset Yellow FCF
- Ponso 4R
- Tartrazine
- Carmoisine
Earlier this year, the use of Rhodamine-B was banned by the Karnataka government. This edible colour is commonly used in foods like cotton candy and gobi Manchurian, dishes that were under scrutiny for spiking cancer risk. The health body also stated that using it in food will now be punishable.
Dr. Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant at Sharda Hospital, listed the health risks involved with such cakes.
- Cancer Risk: Prolonged consumption of artificial colors such as Red 40 has been associated with a potential increase in cancer risk due to their carcinogenic properties when ingested in large amounts.
- Allergic Reactions: Some additives can trigger allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, or respiratory issues such as asthma.
- Hyperactivity in Children: Certain artificial dyes, especially those used in red velvet cakes, have been linked to behavioral issues like hyperactivity and attention problems in children.
- Digestive Issues: Regular intake of food with artificial ingredients can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and stomach irritation.
- Liver and Kidney Strain: Over time, certain preservatives and additives can lead to toxin buildup, which may impair the function of the liver and kidneys.
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