Karnataka Government Enforces Ban on Plastic in Idli Preparation Over Health Concerns
Bengaluru: In a decisive move to protect consumer health, the Karnataka government has banned the use of plastic in hotels and food establishments for preparing idlis. Tests have shown that the practice poses significant health hazards, prompting Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to announce the ban on Thursday.
Idli, the most popular dish in the state and made from rice batter, has traditionally been prepared using cotton cloth. However, many hotels and eateries have shifted to using plastic sheets to pour the batter and steam the idlis, a change that recent tests suggest is compromising food safety.
"Plastic in food preparation is a serious public health hazard. When used in idli making, toxic chemicals from plastic leach into the food, increasing health risks for consumers. I urge all hotels and food establishments to immediately stop this practice and adopt safer alternatives like stainless steel plates or banana leaves. Public health cannot be compromised," the Health Minister said.
He further stressed the severity of the issue:
"The Food and Safety Department has tested food samples from 251 hotels and eateries across the state, and 51 samples have been found unsafe. The use of plastic in idli preparation has been increasing, posing severe health risks. To safeguard public health, the use of plastic in cooking idlis has been strictly banned," he added.
An official notification in this regard will be issued within two days, Rao mentioned. He also recalled that while cotton cloth was once the standard for cooking idlis, it has now been largely replaced with plastic in most hotels.
"After receiving complaints, our officers investigated the matter. Plastic should not be used because it is carcinogenic and can mix with the idlis during cooking. There is no justification for using plastic, as it will surely have a negative impact on health," Gundu Rao said.
In response to the findings, the government will impose fines and take legal action against any establishment found using plastic in idli preparation. The department will also launch awareness campaigns to ensure that no establishment compromises public health.
"Under no circumstances should plastic be used in preparing idlis, as it is now officially banned," the minister emphasised.
(with inputs from IANS)