Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has banned plastic use in idli making in hotels and roadside eateries in the state. The decision was announced on Thursday by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who pointed out that samples were found to contain carcinogens evading public health concerns because the kitchens were using polythene sheets while cooking.
As per the minister, the Karnataka Food Safety Department found 52 hotels were using polythene sheets to make idlis. In particular, he pointed out the danger of thin plastic sheets that he said are a serious cancer risk, ensuring viewers that the government would not allow the food sector to permit such use.
The Food Safety Department had recently taken idli samples from 251 places in the state for tests. Investigators found that although the practice of steaming idlis on traditional cloth prevailed, many hotels had recently switched to using plastic sheets. Act against the establishments for violation of norms after these findings.
Minister Rao said the findings are serious since eating food cooked with plastic will lead to carcinogenic characteristics in the food. The minister urged hotel owners not to engage in these dangerous practices and reiterated the government’s pledge to the health of the public and the hygiene of food.
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