By Sitaram Mewati | Mumbai
Maharashtra’s crackdown against artificial food colours has begun changing the appearance of one of India’s most recognisable sweets, with Imarti increasingly returning to its natural yellow-orange colour instead of the bright saffron shade that had become common in recent years.
The enforcement drive, led by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has prompted sweet shops, restaurants and other food businesses to reduce the use of synthetic colours following intensified inspections and awareness programmes across the state.
According to FDA officials, meetings were recently held with hotel owners, sweet manufacturers, retailers and other food business operators to explain the legal provisions governing the use of food colours. Businesses were informed about the permissible limits of approved colours and warned that violations would invite action under food safety regulations.
The impact of the campaign is now visible in several sweet shops, where Imarti is being prepared and sold in its natural colour instead of the bright saffron hue that had become widely popular. Similar changes have also been noticed in certain snacks and beverages as food businesses adopt a more cautious approach towards artificial colouring.
Welcoming the FDA’s initiative, Padma Shri awardee Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said artificial food colours should have no
place in food prepared for consumers.
“Artificial colours are a complete no-no. I have always been against their use. Even in 1992, when I moved to Mumbai from New Delhi after serving late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, I insisted on avoiding unnecessary artificial colours in food. Good food should look natural and its quality should come from fresh ingredients, not added colours,” Kapoor told Mumbai Messenger.
Kapoor said the appearance of food should come from quality ingredients and proper cooking techniques rather than synthetic additives, adding that growing consumer awareness about healthier food choices is encouraging more businesses to embrace natural practices.
FDA officials said inspections across hotels, sweet shops and food establishments will continue to ensure compliance with food safety standards. They reiterated that only approved food colours may be used within prescribed limits and warned that the use of non-permitted colours remains a punishable offence under food safety regulations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
