Home

>

Food

>

No More Plastic-Steamed Idlis! Karnataka Health Department Enforces New Ban On Plastics

Plastic leaks poisonous chemicals when being used to heat foods.

by Jyotismita
No More Plastic-Steamed Idlis! Karnataka Health Department Enforces New Ban On Plastics

The Karnataka Health Department bans plastic and makes it illegal to use plastic sheets for steaming idlis in food stalls, hotels, and restaurants. This comes after plastic was said to have leaked poisonous chemicals when being used to heat foods, resulting in serious health threats, such as cancer. The government has encouraged companies to move to safer materials such as banana leaves and steel plates.

Why The Karnataka Health Department Plastic Ban Matters

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed the need for this ban, saying that public health is a priority. ‘Toxic chemicals from plastic can contaminate food, which is very dangerous for health, even causing cancer.

Hotels should stop using plastic right away and adopt safer options such as steel plates or banana leaves. Action will be taken against offenders strictly. If you see plastic being used in food preparation, report it!’ he posted on X.

As reported by Indian Express, plastic sheets used for steaming idlis put consumers in contact with dangerous chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates. These are dangerous chemicals that affect the endocrine system and put consumers at a higher risk of developing serious diseases, including reproductive problems and cancer.

Consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra said the release of such chemicals is what turns plastic into a dangerous choice to cook food in. ‘With exposure to heat, such plastics release unsafe chemicals into the food that have been established to be endocrine disruptors linked to life-threatening ailments such as cancer and reproduction disorders,’ she added.

Also Read: Video: Deer Chomping On Plastic Waste Goes Viral; “Humans Need To Do Better,” Say Netizens

Safer And Environment-Friendly Alternatives Than Plastic

Karnataka Health Department
Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation)

Safer alternatives to plastic for steaming idlis are:

  • Cotton Cloth: Natural, chemical-free option that retains the food’s nutritional value.
  • Banana Leaves: Not only do they steer clear of chemical contamination, but they also enhance the taste of idlis and are compostable and biodegradable.
  • Steel Plates: Inert, low-maintenance, long-lasting food plates that are suitable for steaming food items.

Shifting to such green substitutes will be good for the environment and public health, as it does away with plastic pollution and promotes biodegradable substitutes.

The plastic ban by the Karnataka Health Department is a giant leap towards making food preparation methods and the public’s health safe. According to the Indian Express, the action ensures the removal of contact with chemical toxins from food while making it sustainable.

Using healthier alternatives such as banana leaves, cotton fabric, and steel plates makes life healthier while minimising harm to the environment.

Also Read: This Is What Eating From Plastic Takeout Containers Can Do To You

Would you implement this change at home? Let us know what you think about this extreme step!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation)

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.

First Published: March 03, 2025 3:41 PM