Eco-friendly mantra flames out cracker business

[email protected] (Alvin Mendonca, Photos by Suresh Vamanjoor)

November 5, 2013

Mangalore, Nov 5: Environmental awareness or cutting down expenses, whatever seemed to be the reason, the cracker business this Diwali saw a nose dive with the cracker traders seeing poor response from people.

The business was dull to the extent that the cracker merchants say that they are not in the position to earn back even the amount they spent on getting the seasonal cracker shop license.

“We expected large number of customers on Saturday but it was not so. Last year there was good response but this time only few visited our shops. Even they did not buy the expected quantity of crackers. Customers had earmarked very low budget for Diwali crackers,” says fire cracker shop owner near Nantoor, Nagaraj Bikranatte.

“I have spent Rs 33,000 for seasonal fire cracker licence but this year I doubt if I can recover that amount. Last year at least I earned Rs 1 lakh on the first day. This year the sales has not reached even 30 percent of last year's sale,” he said adding that the people here are demanding only mild crackling firework and low budget crackers.

The rains too have added to the misery of fire cracker shop owners as untimely rains kept people away from crackers.

Sharp increase in price of crackers too led to people opting not to purchase crackers this festive season.

People from Kasargod buy crackers here, since crackers in Kerala are expensive,” said Dileep, who has set up a stall at Mallikatte.

Nithin Poojary, resident of Kodikal speaking about crackers demand in his house said that children are busy with television and movies and hence are not interested in crackers now. "Even awareness on crackers and environment in school is also a reason for it,” he said.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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