Karnataka idli lovers, beware! 52 hotels used plastic to make it, health department raises cancer alarm

The Karnataka government has decided to ban the use of plastic in the preparation of idlis in hotels and restaurants due to serious health risks. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that an official circular on the ban will be issued within the next two days.

Plastic in Idli Preparation: A Growing Concern

The Food Safety Department of Karnataka recently conducted inspections across the state and found that 52 hotels were using polythene sheets while making idlis. This is a dangerous practice, as plastic, especially thin polythene sheets, is known to be carcinogenic, meaning it can cause cancer.

Government’s Investigation and Findings

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that food safety officials collected idli samples from 251 places across Karnataka. Traditionally, cloth was used for steaming idlis, but in recent times, some hotels have switched to using plastic sheets. Upon investigation, it was found that 52 of these establishments were using plastic in the process.

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Health Risks of Plastic Use in Cooking

The minister warned that plastic exposure to heat can release harmful chemicals. These carcinogenic substances can get absorbed into the idlis, making them unsafe for consumption. He emphasised that such practices should never have been adopted by the food industry, as they pose a serious risk to public health.

Strict Action and Awareness

Minister Rao assured that strict action will be taken against those violating the ban. He urged people to report any instances of plastic being used in food preparation. The government is sending a strong message that such unhealthy practices will not be tolerated.

Inputs from agencies