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Are Your Idlis Safe To Eat? Karnataka Health Ministry Bans Plastic Amid Crackdown On Hotels And Food Joints
In a recent development pertaining to use if plastic, the Karnataka health ministry has banned the use of plastic sheets that were being used in the preparation of idlis in hotels and food joints. The food and drug authorities conducted a crackdown at 681 hotels, restaurants and street vendor across the state to inspect food safety. During the inspection they discovered that at least 52 of them were using plastic sheets while preparing idli. When idli is steamed in a plastic container or sheet, the plastic turns carcinogenic under high temperature. This can have a severe impact on health.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said amid crackdown, "The use of plastic sheets for cooking is unsafe and harmful as the plastic sheets release chemicals in high temperatures which are carcinogenic. We have banned use of plastic for cooking and request the food entrepreneurs and food businesses to follow safe food practices."
According to reports, 26 out of 3,608 food items samples picked for inspection has been declared unsafe and 28 are of "poor quality." 26 samples of fried green peas out of 31 were also found to be unsafe for human consumption as they had banned artificial colours.
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Rao said, "There is a need to create awareness and conduct frequent sample testing to ensure food safety. The food safety and surveillance measures are yielding results. After our crackdown on cake shops to check the use of harmful colouring agents last year, the menace has reduced."
"In August 2024, 12 out of 295 samples which is 4.06 per cent were found to be unsafe. This year, the ratio has reduced to 1.16 per cent. This was possible by educating the bakery entrepreneurs on the use of natural or synthetic colours in the manufacture of snacks, including cakes, as per the Food Safety and Quality Act 2006 and the artificial colours approved by the Rule of 2011," added Rao.
Rao also took to X and said, "Our Health Department has banned the use of plastic sheets for steaming idlis in hotels across Karnataka. Toxic chemicals from plastic can leach into food, posing serious health risks, including cancer. Hotels must immediately stop using plastic & switch to safer alternatives like steel plates or banana leaves. Strict action will be taken against violators, public health is non-negotiable! If you spot plastic being used in food preparation, report it! Let's ensure safe, healthy food for all."
Our Health Department has banned the use of plastic sheets for steaming idlis in hotels across Karnataka. Toxic chemicals from plastic can leach into food, posing serious health risks, including cancer.
Hotels must immediately stop using plastic & switch to safer alternatives pic.twitter.com/30Noi8KNNG Dinesh Gundu Rao/ (@dineshgrao) February 28, 2025