Major fire in Bellary cold storage building

Hubli, Jan 15: A major fire broke out in a cold storage building on the Bellary-Bangalore Road in the Bellary industrial area at around 2am on Tuesday and destroyed property and agricultural produce worth around Rs 25 crore. Fire fighters are still battling to completely put out the fire.

When the fire fighters reached the five-storeyed building, the fire was fast spreading to other floors. Eight water tenders with more than 30 fire fighters and Bronto sky lift machine were pressed into service to put out the raging fire.

Over 1 lakh gunny bags of agricultural produce, including chilli and pulses, were gutted in the fire.

Bellary SP Chentasingh Rathod said they suspect short circuit to be the cause of the fire. "The whole building has to be demolished as most part of it would come down once the fire is completely doused," he said.

I F Badabade, chief fire officer, Hubli region which covers North Karnataka, said that on receiving the information around 1 am, they sent the fire fighters to the spot.

"As there was only one way to enter the building and it was on fire, we chose three spots in the building and used JCB machines to break the walls. But we could not enter due to the thick smoke. Another reason why we couldn't enter was the pungent odour triggered by the burning chillies. The fire spread fast as the storage had wooden planks," he said.

He added: "Going by the way the fire was spreading, the fire could have started at 11pm but noticed only at 1am. Now, the fire is under control. It may take at least another two days to completely douse it."

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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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