Karnataka Cracks Down on Hotels Using Plastic to Prepare Idlis Over Health Concerns

The Karnataka Food Safety Department found that 52 hotels across the state prepare their idlis on plastic sheets which creates major health risks. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao made official announcements about the findings on Thursday by confirming that 251 idli samples from many different locations underwent testing. Traditional steaming of idlis used cloth materials until some hotels started utilising plastic pieces, although scientists have proven this material produces carcinogenic substances.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Promises Strict Action

Heating plastic material causes harmful toxic chemicals such as dioxins and microplastics to release into the environment, which presents health risks to people, including possible increases in cancer cases. Minister Rao denounced this method of using plastic to cook food by demanding that food should always avoid direct contact with plastic during preparation. The head of the Food Safety Department is currently taking preventive measures against hotel violations while preparing to enforce strict measures against establishments breaking food safety laws.

Public Encouraged to Report Hotels Using Plastic Sheets for Cooking

The Karnataka government plans to ban plastic usage for hotel and eatery food preparation to halt these violations. The general public has received instruction to notify authorities about any suspected violations. Minister Rao confirmed that formal directives about such violations will be released while offenders committing such acts will receive adequate reprimands. This initiative stands as a part of extensive state-wide food safety measures after previous steps were taken to prohibit the harmful Rhodamine-B agents used for Gobi Manchurian preparation and other dishes.