Hubballi: The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has prohibited the use of artificial colours in popular dishes like gobi manchurian and chicken kabab. However, this ban is yet to be fully implemented in Hubballi-Dharwad. Many eateries in the area continue to use these banned artificial colours in their preparations, and hotels are no exception. The department responsible for enforcing this ban is struggling due to a lack of dedicated staff.Dharwad district food safety department has a total of nine sanctioned positions, including a senior food safety official. Of these, three positions are allocated to the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). However, only two of these positions are currently filled, and those staff members are often occupied with VVIP duties at the airport and other locations.Furthermore, none of the taluks in Dharwad district have regular food safety officials. The staff currently working as food safety officials are on deputation from the health and family welfare department. This lack of dedicated personnel makes it challenging to enforce the ban on artificial colours effectively.The situation highlights the need for more resources and dedicated staff to ensure food safety regulations are followed. Without proper enforcement, the health risks associated with artificial colours continue to pose a threat to consumers. The department must address these staffing issues to protect public health and ensure compliance with the ban.The food safety department is conducting random inspections and addressing complaints related to adulteration, according to Dr Virupaksha Reddy, the designated official for food safety in Dharwad. Dr Reddy stated, “We are conducting random check-ups and also acting upon the complaints that we receive pertaining to any adulteration and others.”However, sources in the department revealed that food safety officials are deployed on deputation across all taluks, leading to reluctance in properly discharging their duties. Additionally, their regular assignments with the health and family welfare department have hampered the processes within the food safety department, sources added.Divya Prabhu, DC of Dharwad district, stated that during a recently held review meeting, she became aware that the food safety department was facing a shortage of dedicated staff. She suggested that the food safety officials present the problems they are encountering in detail. Upon receiving their detailed problems and proposals, she will forward them to the govt for further action.She added that she has received complaints pertaining to the use of chemicals and colours in egg rice and other items, which need to be tested. Prabhu also directed the officials to conduct random checks to implement a ban on artificial colours using staff from teams formed to monitor tobacco usage and other issues.
