31 Kerala-Made Snacks Declared Unhealthy By Karnataka FSSAI; Detects Use Of Artificial Colouring

Food is a daily requirement for a human to function efficiently and for good productivity. Snacks are what individuals like to eat in the middle of the day to sustain themselves. Nonetheless, there are some unhealthy snacks out there. Some of such snacks from Kerala have been identified. 31 unhealthy snacks manufactured in Kerala and distributed in border regions, including Kodagu district, have been identified by the Karnataka Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

What Snacks Manufactured In Kerala Are Labelled Unhealthy & Why?

90 samples of common snacks, including chips, halwa, murukku, spicy mixtures, and dried fruits from Kerala, were analysed by the department; some of these products had artificial colourings such as sunset yellow, tartrazine, azorubine, and Allura red, as reported by Mathrubhumi English. Along with flagging hotels and stores, the FSSAI department has expressed concerns about the possible spread of dangerous snacks to other regions and called for more testing.

Karnataka asked the Kerala government to look into this issue regarding snacks that are supplied to several Karnataka districts, including Mysuru, Madikeri, Mangaluru, and others.

Also Read: Food Pharmer Reveals 100G Kissan Jam Contains 62.6% Sugar; 20G Jam Is Loaded With 3 Tbsp Sugar

Drawbacks Of Using Artificial Colouring In Snacks

Certain artificial food colouring substances, such as sunset yellow, Allura red, azorubine, and tartrazine, have been associated with possible health hazards, particularly when ingested in large amounts or over an extended period of time. Research indicates that some dyes, such as sunset yellow and tartrazine, may make kids hyperactive, which might result in behavioural problems. Additionally, some people may develop hives or other allergic reactions, particularly when using tartrazine. Regulatory agencies have not labelled these dyes as carcinogenic. However, there is conflicting evidence on long-term usage causing cancer.

Regulations vary by area; however, artificial food colouring is commonly used in processed meals. While colours like tartrazine are typically safe in the United States, they are required to include a warning label in Europe due to the possibility of hyperactivity in children.

Also Read: What Is An Anti-Inflammatory Diet And How Can It Help With Chronic Health Problems Like Heart Disease?

Snacks are always fun to eat, but choosing which one is healthy for your body is a task. Think it wisely.

Cover Image Credit: Canva Pro