The State Health Department has banned the use of plastic sheets for steaming idlis, as plastic use in food preparation is a serious public health hazard.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said notices had been issued to 51 hotels across the State for using plastic sheets to steam idlis.
Toxic chemicals
“Plastic in food preparation is a serious public health hazard. When used in idli making, toxic chemicals from plastic leach into food, increasing health risks for consumers. I urge all hotels and food establishments to immediately stop this practice and adopt safer alternatives like stainless steel plates or banana leaves. Public health cannot be compromised,” the Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Stating that officials from the Food Safety Department inspected and collected samples from 251 hotels across Karnataka, the Minister said, “Cotton cloth was traditionally used for steaming idlis earlier, but we received reports that some hotels are using plastic sheets. Based on this information, our officials conducted inspections and found 52 hotels using plastic sheets,” he said.
“Hoteliers should not have done this because plastic is carcinogenic. Toxic chemicals from plastic can leach into the idlis during the cooking process,” warned the Health Minister.
Strict ban
Pointing out that action had already been initiated against the violators, the Minister said the government would enforce a strict ban on plastic use in food preparation.
“Use of plastic in cooking idlis has been strictly banned … If anyone continues to use it, the public should report it to the authorities. Public health cannot be compromised,” he added.
Published – February 27, 2025 09:10 pm IST
