Cancer-causing dye were found in samples of red velvet, black forest and some other cakes
In addition to cake inspections, the department has been actively testing other food items to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The Karnataka government has issued a warning after colouring agents linked to cancer were found in 12 cake samples collected for bakeries in the state.
According to reports, health department officials tested 235 samples. While the majority were found to be safe for consumption, hazardous dyes, including allura red, sunset yellow FCF and carmoisine, were found in 12 samples, including those of red velvet and black forest cakes, the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department said in a statement.
These chemicals are used to enhance the visual appeal of cakes are often but their use can increase cancer risk and also cause affect mental well-being, it said.
Food safety commissioner Srinivas K warned bakeries against using unsafe chemicals and additives.
“We’ve detected harmful, cancer-causing substances in some of the cake samples tested. These additives are strictly regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and related food safety regulations from 2011,” Hindustan Times cited an official as saying. He said bakeries must adhere to safety standards or face severe consequences.
The advisory comes after the Karnataka government, banned the use of food dyes such as Rhodamine-B in street foods such as cotton candy and gobi manchurian due to significant health risks.
“Consumption of snacks containing these artificial colors may pose long-term health risks, including cancer. Therefore, the health department has taken this necessary action. I urge the public to prioritize health and hygiene above all else,” the Karnataka health minister posted on X earlier this year.
Love red velvet and black forest cake:
How Do Artificial Food Dyes Cause Cancer?
Studies on animals have shown that certain artificial colours can increase the risk of cancer. In high-dose animal trials, a significant increase in brain tumours was observed. Erythrosine, a controversial red dye, was found to increase thyroid tumours in rats.
Dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 may also contain carcinogenic contaminants such as benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and 4-aminoazobenzene. These substances have been linked to cancer in various studies. However, experts caution that the results from animal studies do not directly translate to human risk since the dye quantities used in the studies far exceed typical human consumption levels. Despite some concerns, regulatory agencies still consider these dyes safe at current usage levels based on available evidence.