Cancer in your cake? The Karnataka government on Thursday issued a warning after cancer-causing agents were found in 12 different cake varieties sold by bakeries in Bengaluru. These were found mainly in the colouring agents of the cake. The advisory comes after ongoing scrutiny over food safety in Karnataka, which has been going on for months now. As a result, Karnataka recently banned the use of artificial food dyes like Rhodamine-B in street foods such as cotton candy and gobi Manchurian. A senior government official said that cancer-causing substances were found in the cake samples which were tested. These additives are strictly regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and related food safety regulations from 2011. The official also warned that bakeries must comply with safety standards or it might face stringent actions. Food safety commissioner Srinivas K cautioned bakeries across the state against using these unsafe chemicals and additives in their products. He stated that recent tests on cakes collected from Bengaluru bakeries confirmed the presence of potentially dangerous substances. As per the official statement by the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department, among the 235 cake samples which were tested, 12 were found to contain artificial colours like Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine. All these present exceed the prescribed safety limits. These chemicals are used to enhance the visual appeal of the cakes such as red velvet and black forest and have been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. It also can negatively impact on mental and physical health. The department, in August also tested 221 paneer samples and 65 khoya samples, and discovered that one of each was substandard. Inspections were also carried at railway food stalls and tourist spots in September. This revealed that multiple food samples were at non-compliance with food safety rules. What Cakes Can You Eat?While cakes do not cause cancer in itself, the colouring agents or the preservatives which are used to increase the shelf life and additives for taste can cause cancer. Experts suggest that artificial colours which are derived from coal tar, and preservatives like nitrated and nitrites can cause stomach cancer. They can also damage cells within the brain stem tissue that connects the brain to the spinal cord. It can also trigger hyperactivity in children and can cause allergic reaction, digestive issues, especially if consumed in large amounts. Certain artificial colours are linked to brain tumours in mice, bladder cancer, allergic reaction, cancers of adrenal glands and kidneys and thyroid tumours.However, you can still enjoy cakes, by ensuring that it does not use any artificial colouring. Also, opt for fruit cakes, not the canned ones. Choose pastel shades instead of bright colours or traditionally baked cakes or white cakes that can limit your exposure to artificial colours.