Why is it in the news?

• The Karnataka Government has recently announced a ban on harmful colouring agents in certain food items.
• Specifically, the ban targets Rodamine B in cotton candy and imposes restrictions on Tartrazine usage in Gobi Manchurian.

 More about the news

• Rodamine B is commonly used in synthetic dyes for colouring various materials like silk, jute, leather, cotton, and wool, as well as in cosmetics and plastics industries.
• Tartrazine is a bright yellow azo dye, often used as a cheaper alternative to natural food dyes.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food additives and colours. According to FSSAI regulations, no colouring matter should be added to food unless permitted under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.