Gol Gappas & The Hidden Risks Of Indian Street Food

A one-bite wonder for pani puri-tans!

Nothing beats the delectable pop of crispy-fried pillows of goodness brimming with spicy potatoes and a tangy sweet and sour filling that must be devoured in one go. Most gol-gappa lovers deem eating their beloved pani puris in two bites as sacrilegious. Ask any ‘ pani- puritan ‘ – they will vouch that the gol-gappa must be eaten in one bite.

India ‘s diverse, vibrant street food offers food lovers a colorful variety of lip-smacking snacks from samosa to chaat and pav bhaji, but the gol gappa tops them all. However, it appears that local pain puri vendors may disappear from neighborhood streets in India due to a spate of health scares.

A health risk

In recent months, hygiene concerns have surfaced over how street foods are prepared and served to people in India’s southern state, Karnataka.

Srinivas K., the Commissioner of Karnataka’s Food Safety and Standards Commissionerate, reported that the organization had received multiple complaints of vomiting, diarrhea, and other health complications after people consumed certain foods.

The food safety department in the state swept into action following reports of unhygienic practices by food business operators that led to health disorders. More than 4,000 food samples were collected over five months leading to an investigation into the use of artificial coloring agents. Inspectors scrutinized the use of coloring agents in cotton candy, gobi manchurian, and chicken kebabs. before issuing three orders banning their use since March.

As the inquiry continued, a series of bans were imposed on the sale of gol gappas and shawarma, the latest issued in July after carcinogenic agents and bacteria harmful to human health were found in samples.

Harmful chemicals and bacteria

Surprise raids in Karnataka by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) found that nearly 22 percent of gol gappa samples did not meet safety standards.

Samples of masala and chutney sauces and dry spices used to season the gol gappas were also collected and tested.

The analysis found carcinogens that can potentially cause cancer and bacteria harmful to human health in the samples collected for inspection. Forty-one samples of 260 gol gappas contained artificial colors and cancer-causing chemicals; 18 others were labeled unfit for consumption due to poor quality.

The gol gappas contained chemicals like Brilliant Blue, Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, and Rhodamine B.

The danger of contaminated gol gappas

Synthetic dyes are commonly used to add vibrant colors to a variety of products, from textiles to foods. While these dyes can enhance the visual appeal of items, they also come with potential health risks, especially if consumed.

These carcinogens can cause significant damage to the human body. The chemicals used can harm human organs and lead to serious health issues such as stomach ache, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Food Safety Department officials say these agents can cause cancer or lead to diabetes, kidney failure, and other complications.

Exposure to Rhodamine B, used to give a red hue to textiles and other materials can have harmful effects such as eye damage and respiratory tract irritation.

Overconsumption of Brilliant Blue FCF, commonly found in foods and cosmetics, can cause skin allergies, digestive issues, and hyperactivity in children.

Exposure to Sunset Yellow, a synthetic food dye, can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and itching. It has also been linked to hyperactivity in children and digestive discomfort when consumed in high doses.

Tartrazine, a synthetic yellow dye derived from petroleum products, is used to enhance the visual appeal of foods and drinks. It can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and skin rashes. In children, high doses of Tartrazine have been associated with hyperactivity and potential genetic mutations that could lead to cancer.

The possible severity of these side effects calls for careful regulation and consumption of products containing this dye.

Eating street food should be fun not dangerous to our health – so even if your instinct tells you to eat it in one bite – think twice before you pop a gol gappa in your mouth!

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