The cakes that use artificial colours have been found to contain deadly cancer-causing components, said the food safety and quality department of Karnataka, India.
Experts have warned that popular cakes, such as red velvet and black forest, which often contain vibrant artificial colours, can pose serious health risks. Julia Filirovska/ Pexels
Many put the name of the delicious and tempting food cake at the top of their list. But do you know cancer ingredients are hidden in this delicious food?
A chemical substance is added into the cake to preserve it for a long time, which can create cancer cells in the body, says the department.
The department said that in August, it tested 235 cake samples from 12 bakeries, with 223 deemed safe and 12 found to contain dangerous levels of artificial coloring. It noted that excessive use of artificial colours in cakes not only raises the risk of cancer but also poses a threat to mental and physical health.
Experts have warned that popular cakes, such as red velvet and black forest, which often contain vibrant artificial colours, can pose serious health risks. The department has instructed bakeries to adhere to safety standards.
Dr Srinivas K Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka said, “Traders use chemicals like nitrate and nitrite to preserve cakes for a long time. This harmful chemical can cause stomach and pancreatic cancer.”
He also said that artificial colours like Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R (strawberry red), Tartrazine (lemon yellow), and Carmoisine (maroon) have been found in cakes like red velvet and black forest. These harmful substances can increase the risk of thyroid, bladder, and kidney cancer. Allergy problems can also occur immediately.
Experts suggest being careful about having cake. Instead of harmful coloured cakes, white and chocolate cakes can be given priority. Also, cakes stored in the bakery for a long time should be avoided.
