Chennai: With the festive season underway, the Food Safety Department has intensified inspections at sweet shops, bakeries and cake outlets across Tamil Nadu to check the excessive use of artificial food colours. Officials cautioned consumers against brightly coloured foods, saying they may pose long-term health risks.

District Food Safety Designated Officer Anuradha said regulations exist on the permissible level of artificial pigments in food items, but many establishments fail to comply. “We are collecting samples from shops and sending them for testing. People should avoid food products with excessive coloring. Less shiny, natural-looking foods are safer for health,” she said.

Officials highlighted that artificial colourants are widely used in everyday foods such as chocolates, cakes, panipuris and cotton candies. Rhodamine-B, a chemical dye earlier found in cotton candy, was banned after being linked to health hazards.

Doctors also raised concerns over the impact of colourful foods on children. Government Hospital cancer specialist Dr. Selvaraj noted that children are drawn to brightly advertised foods, but repeated consumption of pigment-laden items could trigger early health complications. “Even permitted colours, when consumed in small amounts over time, can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Avoiding excessively colourful foods is advisable,” he said.

Officials urged citizens to be vigilant and prioritise natural, less-coloured foods during the festive season, stressing that food safety should not be compromised for appearance.