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From cotton candy to contaminated tea, Karnataka health maps State’s food safety drive on Good Food Talks
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Wednesday, 18 June, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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Akshayakalpa Organic, India’s first certified organic dairy brand, has released a new and impactful episode of its video podcast series Good Food Talks. In this latest episode, Karnataka health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, highlights the state’s recent initiatives aimed at strengthening public health. The discussion goes beyond surface-level policy and addresses tangible steps Karnataka is taking to improve food safety standards, actively combat anaemia, and empower communities to play a more central role in overseeing food quality.
'Good Food Talks' is envisioned as a podcast series where thought leaders, industry experts, and health enthusiasts can express their opinions on the changing world of food and wellness. Each episode brings audiences closer to understanding how mindful consumption, local produce, and transparent food systems can shape a healthier future for all. In this latest episode, Minister Rao emphasised that Karnataka is moving decisively from simply raising awareness to driving on-the-ground impact.
Focusing on the State’s action against food adulteration, use of harmful chemical additives and need for local level food testing, Minister Rao explained Government’s recent ban on dangerous food colours like Rhodamine-B. Tartrazine, Carmoisine, and Sunset Yellow that are found in items like cotton candy, kebabs, gobi Manchurian and even cakes chemicals which have become common in street and processed foods. He also talks about the state’s initiative to set up free food testing stalls across malls in Karnataka where ordinary consumers can bring in their food samples and test them for quality and adulteration. The Minister also spoke about substandard tea powders in Karnataka—many of which failed quality tests in recent sample tests. Government’s quick action in issuing alerts and taking enforcement measures shows its seriousness in protecting consumers from low grade and unsafe products.
Anaemia is another critical issue that the state is fighting with and speaking about it, Rao spoke about the State-led screening programmes being rolled out in schools and rural areas to not only identify health concerns but also educate families about nutritional balance and diet. He also gives small but powerful examples—like using clean cotton cloth instead of plastic sheets in idli preparation as everyday examples of safer and healthier choices.
Speaking in the podcast, Rao said, “Real transformation begins when citizens start asking hard questions about what they eat. Whether it’s banning unsafe food additives or installing local food labs, we want to build a culture where food safety becomes everyone’s priority. Strong policies matter—but people’s awareness and participation will ultimately drive change.”
Expressing deeper appreciation for the Minister’s willingness to speak openly and constructively about these critical issues, Shashi Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, said, “India stands at a critical point where health, food, and sustainability are all deeply linked. Gundu Rao’s leadership shows how state-driven policies and citizen responsibility can work hand-in-hand. At Akshayakalpa Organic, we believe that once people understand where their food comes from and what goes into it, they make better decisions—for themselves and for future generations.”
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