Siddu investor meet 'drama' to retain post, says Tamil Nadu Minister

Chennai, Feb 1: Hitting out at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah who had held a business conclave in Coimbatore in the state recently, the Tamil Nadu government today said it was a 'drama' enacted by him to retain his post ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"That meeting was a drama by that Chief Minister to retain his post ahead of elections," Industries Minister P Thangamani said today.

Intervening after Puthiya Tamizhagam member S Krishnasamy raised the issue in the Assembly during a debate on the motion to thank the Governor for his address to the House on January 30, he also said that contrary to Karnataka's claims, Tamil Nadu businessmen were not interested in setting up units there.

During the 'Coimbatore Road Show-2014-Chamarajangar Investors' Meet 2014,' on January 21, Siddaramiah promised of a good law and order situation there, in the backdrop of the vexed Cauvery issue between the two states, especially after the issue of anti-Tamil violence which broke out after the interim verdict in the 1991 was pointed out.

Thangamani claimed there was not enough space in Chamarajnagar even as he hailed the industrial environment of his state.

He recalled that the state had entered into business agreements worth around Rs 21,000 crore under the Jayalalithaa government after it came to power in 2011 and claimed the state had better business indicators like industrial peace.

Earlier, Krishnasamy had raised concerns of Tamil Nadu businessmen moving away to Chamarajnagar in Karnataka following the business meet even as CPI legislator M Arumugham expressed similar concerns.

Later, while intervening CPI-M member A Sounderarajan on the Nokia plant issue, Thangamani alleged that the Centre gave "tacit support" in efforts to move the mobile phone manufacturer out of Tamil Nadu because the handset major's business was set up near Chennai following efforts by Jayalalithaa.

The Centre's action against Nokia on alleged tax evasion was part of that, he claime but did not elaborate.

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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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