Is your Christmas cake safe? Simple tips to check during and after purchase

As we are days away from Christmas, Kerala's Food Safety Department recently initiated checks to see whether excessive preservatives are added to cakes. Often, chemicals like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are added to baked goods, such as cake, within permitted limits to increase their shelf life. However, in commercially produced products, some bakers exceed the limits, making the cakes unhealthy to consume. In recent checks by the Food Safety Department, 10 out of 32 cake samples were found unsafe, and legal proceedings were initiated against the manufacturers.

To determine the exact levels of chemicals added to cakes, they will have to be checked in labs. However, how can the common man check whether the cakes they are buying are healthy? Nutritionist and Assistant Professor Dr Krishnaja U of Kerala Agricultural University explains:

Look for these pointers
1. Food products like cakes are made of ingredients that ideally do not last for a long time. Therefore, cakes that promise a longer shelf life may contain higher levels of chemicals. When purchasing, opt for freshly baked cakes whenever possible. Also, steer clear of those promising more than five to six weeks of shelf life. 

2. Cakes with higher amounts of preservatives can have a chemical odour, at times. Carefully examine the cake's smell before consuming it if you doubt its freshness or ingredient quality.

3. A bitter aftertaste is another pointer that signals your cake can have higher amounts of preservatives. Avoid eating more quantities of it if you feel so. 

The Class 2 preservatives
The Kerala FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulations permit the usage of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate in cakes, but they shouldn't exceed the permissible limits. In 10 kg of the cake, only about 10 grams of these preservatives are allowed. All manufacturers are supposed to do food safety lab tests once every six months. Those making cakes at home are also supposed to register with the Food Safety Department.