Is Your Morning Idli Safe? Bengaluru’s Beloved Breakfast Faces Food Safety Scare
Bengaluru’s most popular breakfast staple, the humble idli, has come under scrutiny after alarming food safety violations were uncovered across the city. The Karnataka Food Safety Department has launched a large-scale crackdown, collecting 254 samples from eateries to ensure the safety of this beloved dish.
Cancer-Causing Substances Found in Idlis
Out of the 254 samples tested, 54 were found to contain cancer-causing substances. The culprit? The widespread use of plastic sheets in the steaming process. When exposed to heat, these plastic sheets release toxic chemicals that not only disrupt hormones but also pose a significant cancer risk.
While larger restaurants have transitioned to safer alternatives like banana leaves or cotton cloth, many small eateries continue using plastic sheets due to cost and convenience. This hazardous practice has now led to immediate action from health authorities.
Government Crackdown and New Ban on Plastic Use
Under the directive of Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, strict measures have been imposed. The use of plastic in idli preparation has been officially banned, and eateries violating this rule are being fined and issued notices. Citywide raids are ongoing, with 52 hotels already identified for using polythene sheets in food preparation.
Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The use of plastic, which is harmful to health, in the preparation of idli will cause serious health problems. This has been confirmed in tests conducted by the Food Safety Department.”
ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಮಾರಕವಾಗಿರುವ ಪ್ಲಾಸ್ಟಿಕ್ ಅನ್ನು ಇಡ್ಲಿ ತಯಾರಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸುವುದು ಗಂಭೀರ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ತಂದೊಡ್ಡಲಿದೆ. ಆಹಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಸುರಕ್ಷತಾ ಇಲಾಖೆ ನಡೆಸಿರುವ ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇದು ದೃಢಪಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು, ಹೋಟೆಲ್, ಉಪಹಾರ ಗೃಹಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇಡ್ಲಿ ತಯಾರಿಕೆಗೆ ಪ್ಲಾಸ್ಟಿಕ್ ಬಳಕೆಯನ್ನು ನಿಷೇಧಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ಕುರಿತ ಪತ್ರಿಕಾ ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆಗಳು… pic.twitter.com/VttvNsSi5G
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) February 28, 2025
What’s Next for Eateries and Consumers?
Authorities are urging eateries to switch to traditional and safer steaming methods, reinforcing the importance of consumer health over convenience. With food stalls under intense scrutiny, Bengaluru residents are advised to be cautious about where they eat their favorite idlis.
The crackdown highlights the broader issue of food safety and the need for stringent regulations to protect public health. As the raids continue, customers are encouraged to opt for eateries that prioritize hygiene and safe cooking practices.
