Idli linked to cancer? Karnataka Food Safety takes action; reasons

The soft and fluffy idlis with the sides of fragrant sambar and rich coconut chutney is probably one of India's most-loved breakfast combinations. However, the Karnataka Food Safety Department has initiated swift action after discovering that idlis sold in certain hotels could cause cancer. In multiple inspections conducted across the state, 52 hotels were found to have used polythene sheets for making idlis. The food safety department will reportedly take action against these hotels for serving unhealthy food in an unhealthy manner. The presence of dangerous chemicals that could potentially cause cancer was detected in 35 out of the 500 idli samples collected from various hotels across Karnataka. Meanwhile, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that he would consider banning the use of plastic in the state.

How healthy idlis become toxic
Traditionally, freshly cooked hot idlis are wrapped in clean cotton clothes in Karnataka. But, some hotels and wayside eateries use plastic sheets instead of cotton clothes. When hot idlis are placed on them, the molecules in the plastic sheet break into harmful chemicals that cause cancer. The Karnataka Food Safety Department has expressed concern about using plastic sheets while making hotel idlis.
The health minister noted that the department had flagged multiple instances of using plastic like this. He added that hotel owners shouldn’t use plastic sheets to wrap idlis as they are harmful. The minister stated that the chemicals in the plastic sheet might penetrate the idlis, making them unfit for consumption. The government would ensure that the hotels and the wayside eateries no longer follow this method. The food safety department had collected idli samples from more than 252 hotels and eateries in Karnataka.

The authorities found that 52 hotels used plastic sheets to cook idlis. The department has also begun taking strict action against these hotels. Meanwhile, the ministry is considering a complete ban on plastic in any cooking process. Besides, the ministry will start an awareness campaign against the usage of plastic in hotels and food production units. The authorities warn that strict action will be taken against the hotels that break these rules.

How to cook idlis nutritious and safe?
1) Avoid using plastic steamers, molds or sheets while cooking idli. Harmful chemicals can leach in. Use only stainless steel and ceramic utensils.
2) For better digestion, allow the batter to ferment for at least 12 hours.
3) Do not overcook or undercook your idlies.
4) Do not ferment using Eno or soda. Let the batter ferment naturally