Everyone’s favourite Golgappas can cause Cancer!

Golgappa, Pani Puri, Puchka, Pani Batasha is enjoyed across the country, but beware of the health risks. These popular street foods might be a delight to your taste buds, but they could also pose serious health risks: Golgappe, Puchka, Pani puri, pani batasha, whatever you call them, they are famous and eaten across the country. For women, a visit to the market often feels incomplete without enjoying some golgappas. We usually devour golgappas with great enthusiasm and even ask for extra water from the vendor. However, the spicy and tangy golgappas you savor could potentially cause serious illnesses like cancer. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Karnataka found that around 22% of the pani puri samples sold in the state failed to meet quality standards. Out of 260 samples collected from Karnataka, 41 were deemed unsafe due to the presence of artificial colors and cancer-causing agents, while the quality of the remaining 18 was so poor that they should not be consumed.

This isn’t the first time that golgappas have failed the FSSAI food standard quality test. Reports from various states have emerged over the years. An investigation in Vadodara revealed that the water used in pani puri was impure and synthetic colors were used instead of mint. This overconsumption can affect the stomach and intestines, potentially leading to severe diseases like cancer. In the samples from Karnataka, chemicals such as Brilliant Blue, Sunset Yellow, and Tartrazine were found, which are known to cause various health issues.

Previously, the Karnataka government also banned the use of the food coloring agent Rhodamine B, which was being used in food items like cauliflower Manchurian and cotton candy.

How to detect if your Golgappas are contaminated?

You can easily identify adulteration in golgappa water. Tamarind water is light brown, while water made with coriander and mint is dark green. If the water contains acid, it can cause immediate stomach pain. Bitterness in the water can also be a sign of contamination.

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