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<keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword>, Karnataka’s bustling capital, is currently witnessing a worrying surge in dengue fever cases, sending waves of concern across its populace. In just 20 days, the city has recorded an alarming 1,000 cases, highlighting a drastic surge compared to previous years. Alongside dengue, there has been a notable uptick in viral fever cases, further straining local healthcare resources.<br /><br />Experts point to the unusual weather conditions as a key culprit. The lack of rain and unexpected cold winds have created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue. Additionally, BBMP's increased vigilance with fever surveys has led to more detections, contributing to the higher case numbers.<br /><br />Chief Health Officer Dr. Syed Madani emphasised the proactive stance of the health department, noting a quadrupling in checks compared to previous years. In the first half of 2024 alone, Bengaluru has already reported nearly 5,000 dengue cases, significantly surpassing last year’s figures for the same period. Most of the surge came after May this year.<br /><br />The eastern and Mahadevpura zones of Bengaluru have been hit the hardest by dengue, with construction work creating stagnant water – a perfect haven for mosquitoes. The southern zone, meanwhile, is grappling with chikungunya, another mosquito-borne illness.<br /><br />The health department is pulling out all the stops to combat the outbreak. Fogging drives are underway to kill mosquito larvae, and public awareness campaigns are educating residents on preventing water stagnation around their homes. Continuous fever surveys are also being conducted to identify potential cases early on.<br /><br />The severity of the outbreak hit close to home when Chief Civic Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath tested positive for dengue. Despite the setback, Nath is expected to resume his duties shortly, underscoring the personal toll of the city's health crisis.<br /><br />In response to mounting cases, <keyword id="19909918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chief-Minister-Siddaramaiah" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Chief Minister Siddaramaiah" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Chief Minister Siddaramaiah">Chief Minister Siddaramaiah</keyword> has convened high-level meetings with BBMP officials and health authorities to strategize further containment efforts. With June alone witnessing 1,036 reported cases, Bengaluru braces for potentially higher numbers during the monsoon season, traditionally conducive to mosquito proliferation.<br /><br />However, BBMP officials are confident that their preventative measures, including extensive surveillance, fever detection, and source reduction activities, will help control the situation.<br />

Bengaluru on dengue alert: City reports over 1,000 cases in 20 days; BBPM Chief falls prey to disease

If you’re a <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword> resident, we’re almost certain that you must be coming across vendors frying and selling hot chicken <keyword id="21046095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kebabs" source="keywords">kebabs</keyword> by the sides of the road on the regular. With their rather bright red colours, those things are unmissable, after all. But if you’ve been fighting temptation because of how unhealthy they could be, we have some good news for you.<br /><br />Making kebabs the teensiest bit healthier, the Karnataka government is putting a ban on artificial colours in your favourite kebabs, be they vegetarian, chicken, or fish. This move comes after a series of actions by the <keyword id="19987876" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka-Health-Department" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Karnataka Health Department" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Karnataka Health Department">Karnataka Health Department</keyword> to ensure <keyword id="20000858" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-safety" source="keywords">food safety</keyword> and protect <keyword id="19913584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-health" source="keywords">public health</keyword>.<br /><br />Reports of poor kebab quality due to artificial colouring prompted the department to take action. In light of these concerns about kebab safety, the government tested 39 samples from across Karnataka and 8 variants of kebabs were found to have harmful artificial colours. The presence of sunset yellow and carmoisine colours, in particular, were deemed unsafe for consumption.<br /><br />This isn't the first time the Karnataka Health Department has cracked down on harmful food additives. Following Tamil Nadu and Goa, Karnataka joined the fight for safe treats earlier this year when it flagged the use of artificial colours in cotton candy and gobi manchurian.<br /><br />The survey, conducted between February 12 and an unspecified date, revealed the presence of concerning chemicals in 15 out of 25 cotton candy samples and 107 out of 171 gobi manchurian samples. They found Rhodamine-b, a suspected carcinogen which already has a nationwide ban. This ban extends to sunset yellow and carmoisine in cotton candy, and tartrazine (when not used within approved limits) in gobi manchurian.<br /><br />If any vendors are found flouting these bans, the Food Safety and Standards Act enforces strict penalties: licence cancellation, hefty fines (up to ₹10 lakh), and even jail terms (from 7 years to life imprisonment) for using banned substances.<br /><br />Looking ahead, the government plans to raise awareness among food vendors about safe colouring alternatives, empower consumers and conduct surprise checks to ensure compliance with the new regulations.<br /><br />The success of this initiative might lead to similar scrutiny of other popular street foods, like kebabs, which often use colouring agents. This could pave the way for a future where vibrant colours on our plates come courtesy of nature, not potentially harmful chemicals.<br />

Karnataka Health Department bans use of artificial food colouring in kebabs; imposes hefty fine of 10 lakhs!

<keyword id="22223326" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="street-food-lovers" source="keywords">Street food lovers</keyword> in Karnataka, particularly <keyword id="21301713" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pani-puri" source="keywords">pani puri</keyword> enthusiasts, have reason to be cautious. A recent inspection by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (<keyword id="20225209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FSSAI" source="keywords">FSSAI</keyword>) has revealed concerning results. Nearly 22% of pani puri samples collected from across the state failed to meet safety standards.<br /><br />A few days after banning artificial food colouring in kebabs across Karnataka, <keyword id="21070182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-safety-officials" source="keywords">food safety officials</keyword> went after the pani puri stalls littered throughout the state and even more established eateries. FSSAI reportedly collected pani puri samples randomly from 79 places across Karnataka, with 49 of them being from various parts of Bengaluru.<br /><br />The FSSAI received numerous complaints regarding the quality of pani puri being sold across Karnataka, said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety, in a press release. To address these concerns, we conducted inspections at various eateries, from roadside stalls to established restaurants.<br /><br /><strong>RELATED: </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/karnataka-health-department-bans-use-of-artificial-food-colouring-in-kebabs-imposes-hefty-fine-of-10-lakhs/articleshow/111250040.cms"><strong>Karnataka Health Department bans use of artificial food colouring in kebabs; imposes hefty fine of 10 lakhs!</strong></a><br /><br />The inspections resulted in a worrying discovery. Of the 260 samples collected, 41 were found to contain artificial colouring agents and potentially cancer-causing chemicals in the sauce and meetha chilli powder, rendering them unfit for consumption. An additional 18 samples were deemed to be of poor quality.<br /><br />The FSSAI identified chemicals like brilliant blue, sunset yellow, and tartrazine as the primary culprits in the unsafe pani puri. Experts have spoken about the potential health risks associated with these artificial colorings, suggesting that exposure to these chemicals can lead to a range of health problems. These can range from simple stomach upsets to more serious conditions like heart disease and even some autoimmune disorders.<br /><br />The FSSAI is currently analysing the test results to understand the full impact of these chemicals on public health. They are also collaborating with the Karnataka Health Department to explore potential enforcement measures against offenders.<br /><br />Srinivas K said that they are committed to ensuring food safety across the state, and are studying the data and exploring various options to improve food safety standards, particularly at smaller eateries.<br /><br />This pani puri incident is not an isolated case. The FSSAI had previously banned the use of artificial colours in kebabs, gobi manchurian, and cotton candy due to similar concerns.<br /><br />The FSSAI advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing street food and inquire about ingredients before consumption. They are also encouraging the public to report any suspected violations of food safety standards.<br />

Food safety officials in Karnataka report cancer-causing agents and artificial colours in pani puri samples

If you've ever found yourself sheepishly glancing around after cutting a red light or using your phone while driving, only to relax because "no cops in sight," think again! In <keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword>, the traffic police have gone tech-savvy, and they're now leveraging AI to keep an eye on you – whether or not there’s an officer standing by.<br /><h2>Bengaluru’s AI revolution in <keyword id="22205047" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traffic-enforcement" source="keywords">traffic enforcement</keyword></h2>Bengaluru, the tech hub of India, has pioneered the use of AI-based enforcement in its bustling streets. "At present, we use AI-based cameras to enforce seven violations," said MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru City Traffic) in an interview with <em>Moneycontrol</em>. These violations include overspeeding, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing seat belts, riding without helmets, triple riding on two-wheelers, red-light jumping, and stop-line violations. But it doesn't stop there!<br /><br />The city is expanding this AI-driven system to detect 13 different <keyword id="19948114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traffic-violations" source="keywords">traffic violations</keyword> — up from the existing seven. Among the new additions are wrong-side driving, illegal number plates, overloaded goods vehicles, broken or folded door mirrors, and illegal parking. Bengaluru’s streets are about to get even more monitored, and the number of fines is expected to rise.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113150608" title="Nothing to wear? Bengaluru-based startup promises to deliver clothes in just 60 minutes. Here’s my experience!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Already, 97% of traffic violations in Bengaluru in 2023 were caught through this contactless mode. With 330 AI-powered cameras watching over 50 junctions, the city's roads are becoming some of the most tech-supervised in India. "We will soon expand to cover 13 types of violations," Anucheth added, hinting at an even more stringent road regime.<br /><h2>Eyes in the sky</h2>With a road network stretching over 14,000 km, more than 12 million registered vehicles, and around 40,000 traffic intersections, Bengaluru’s streets can get chaotic. To tackle this, Bengaluru’s AI system is leaving nothing to chance. The AI can do more than just catch rule-breakers; it can even detect waterlogged areas, cattle on the road, potholes, and unattended objects, ensuring smoother traffic flow.<br /><br />What’s more, these AI-based systems are equipped with <keyword id="22598445" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Automatic-Number-Plate-Recognition" source="keywords">Automatic Number Plate Recognition</keyword> (ANPR) and can process video feeds from multiple sources, including surveillance cameras, body-worn cameras, and even social media feeds. So, even if you're accidentally caught on a neighbour’s camera violating a traffic rule, you could still be fined.<br /><br />“Instead of procuring additional cameras, we decided to obtain AI-based automatic violation detection licences to utilise our existing infrastructure for traffic enforcement and management," Anucheth explained. That means the city is becoming smarter without splurging on extra gadgets.<br /><h2>Expect more fines</h2>In 2023 alone, <keyword id="21352185" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru-traffic" source="keywords">Bengaluru Traffic</keyword> Police booked nearly 90 lakh cases and collected a record Rs 185.1 crore in fines. With the expanded AI system, these numbers are expected to soar even higher. Commuters along major arterial roads such as the Electronics City Elevated Expressway, Mysuru Road to Goraguntepalya, and Bellary Road should be particularly mindful. Cameras on these routes have been instrumental in spotting violations like speeding and improper lane usage.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113459399" title="Should you rent or buy a home? Here’s how much rental pricing has gone up compared to ownership cost in major Indian cities" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The introduction of AI is already having a significant impact on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, where 60 cameras caught more than 12,000 violations within just two weeks of installation. And the fines? They’re sent directly to your phone. "No violation can escape the hawk eyes of our powerful cameras," said Karnataka’s Additional Director General of Police, Alok Kumar, after catching a bus driver talking on his phone while driving.<br /><h2>Management, not just enforcement</h2>But Bengaluru’s AI isn’t just catching violators — it’s also helping ease the flow of traffic in a majorly congested city. AI is playing a crucial role in optimising <keyword id="21296378" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traffic-signals" source="keywords">traffic signals</keyword> to reduce congestion and manage traffic patterns. With its Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC) feature, these <keyword id="21635811" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-cameras" source="keywords">AI cameras</keyword> will help monitor the types of vehicles clogging up different junctions, offering better insights for road management.<br /><br />To that end, Bengaluru has also introduced AI-powered traffic signals, which automatically adjust the timing of traffic lights based on real-time traffic conditions. This system, deployed across many important junctions in the city, monitors vehicle flow and helps reduce bottlenecks by adjusting traffic lights dynamically. In an ideal world, this will mean that there would be no more sitting at a red light when the road ahead is empty.<br /><br />With over 9,000 cameras being installed across the city under the Safe City project and access to 4,600 body-worn cameras, Bengaluru’s traffic police are bringing in a new era of high-tech enforcement. Hopefully, this will help with better <keyword id="20413755" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traffic-management" source="keywords">traffic management</keyword> in the city — a problem that needs to be solved at the earliest.<br />

Hopping signals or using phones when cops aren’t there? You’re still going to get instant-fined, thanks to Bengaluru’s new AI cameras

The latest findings from the <keyword id="20000858" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-safety" source="keywords">Food Safety</keyword> and Standards Authority of India (<keyword id="20225209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FSSAI" source="keywords">FSSAI</keyword>) have raised serious health concerns regarding <keyword id="20410656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bakery-items" source="keywords">bakery items</keyword> sold in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka. FSSAI’s recent tests on 235 cake samples across the state revealed that 12 of these samples contained harmful, cancer-causing ingredients. The bakery items in question included popular varieties like red velvet, black forest, and pineapple cakes.<br /><br /><keyword id="21583421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-colours" source="keywords">Artificial colours</keyword> such as Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine were found in the cakes at levels that exceed permissible limits. These <keyword id="23428063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="synthetic-dyes" source="keywords">synthetic dyes</keyword> are commonly used to give cakes an intense, attractive appearance, especially in varieties like red velvet. However, these colours are not without risks. According to studies, prolonged exposure to such chemicals, even at low levels, can increase the risk of cancer. They are also known to cause other health issues such as allergies, asthma, and hyperactivity in children.<br /><br />Allura Red, one of the key culprits identified, has been banned in some countries due to its potential carcinogenic effects. Studies conducted on animals have shown that high doses of this dye can lead to the development of tumours. In addition, other food dyes like Ponceau 4R and Sunset Yellow FCF are suspected of containing contaminants such as benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl, both of which have been linked to cancer.<br /><h2>Impact on public health</h2>The presence of these hazardous chemicals in commonly consumed bakery items is particularly concerning given the long-term <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword> associated with synthetic dyes. Children and young adults, who often consume colourful cakes at parties and celebrations, are especially vulnerable. Health practitioner have also highlighted that these chemicals could contribute to respiratory problems and potentially lead to cancer over time. Therefore, consumers must be cautious when purchasing visually striking baked goods, as they may contain harmful ingredients.<br /><br />The FSSAI has taken swift action by issuing warnings to the bakeries involved and reminding all food outlets to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasised that strict action will be taken against businesses that continue to violate food safety standards. Non-compliance with the <keyword id="21256704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-regulations" source="keywords">food regulations</keyword> could lead to legal penalties, including the closure of bakeries found using harmful additives.<br /><br />The FSSAI’s crackdown follows a series of inspections targeting food safety across Karnataka. The department has also previously banned the use of artificial colours in popular street foods like gobi manchurian and kebabs, and it continues to conduct regular inspections of food outlets across the state. Recent enforcement activities have also included tests on paneer, khova, and other food products sold in hotels, tourist spots, and railway stations.<br /><h2>Alternatives to synthetic dyes</h2>In light of these findings, consumers are urged to opt for bakery products made with <keyword id="23428065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="natural-colourants" source="keywords">natural colourants</keyword>, which are safer and free from harmful chemicals. Many bakers in Karnataka are already shifting towards the use of permitted natural colours derived from fruits and vegetables, which pose no risk to health. However, there remains a significant number of bakeries that use artificial dyes to enhance the visual appeal of their products.<br /><br />For consumers, being informed about the ingredients in the foods they purchase is crucial. While brightly coloured cakes may seem appealing, the potential health hazards they carry cannot be overlooked. Health experts recommend asking bakery owners about the types of colourants used and checking for FSSAI compliance labels before making a purchase.<br /><br /><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>

Cancer-causing dyes have been detected in popular bakery items in Bengaluru — here’s which items you might need to avoid

As <keyword id="19896017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka" source="keywords">Karnataka</keyword> grapples with a rising number of <keyword id="20075342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dengue" source="keywords">dengue</keyword> cases, the state government has officially declared dengue fever an <keyword id="20462436" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="epidemic" source="keywords">epidemic</keyword>. This declaration comes with a set of strict regulations designed to prevent the spread of the disease by targeting <keyword id="21283114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mosquito-breeding" source="keywords">mosquito breeding</keyword>, which is the primary mode of transmission. To avoid <keyword id="20041636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="penalties" source="keywords">penalties</keyword>, it is crucial to understand and adhere to these new regulations.<br /><h2>Understanding dengue</h2>Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, primarily <em>Aedes aegypti</em>. The virus causes flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding). In severe cases, dengue can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which are potentially fatal<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111981382" title="BBMP’s newest contest can earn you up to Rs 1 lakh for uploading &amp;#39;Dengue Warrior&amp;#39; reels on social media!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Karnataka’s tropical climate, combined with rapid urbanisation and inadequate waste management, has created ideal conditions for the proliferation of these <em>Aedes </em>mosquitoes, with cases exceeding 25,000 since the beginning of the year. The urban centres, particularly Bengaluru, have seen alarming spikes in dengue cases, straining the healthcare infrastructure and prompting urgent government interventions. The situation has been exacerbated by the accumulation of stagnant water in both residential and commercial areas, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.<br /><h2>Preventative measures</h2>The government has mandated that all property owners, including households, commercial establishments, and construction site managers, must take immediate and effective steps to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. As per the new regulations, authorities can inspect any land or building between sunrise and sunset after giving reasonable notice. The owner or occupier must facilitate the inspection and provide necessary information.<br /><br />If mosquito breeding is found, the authority can issue a notice requiring action within a specified time, not less than 24 hours, to eliminate the breeding ground using suitable methods. This includes ensuring that all water storage containers, such as tanks, barrels, and drums, are properly covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Moreover, residents and business owners are required to properly dispose of solid waste, including items like old tires, broken pots, and unused containers, which could otherwise collect water and become breeding grounds.<br /><h2>Fines for non-compliance</h2>In addition to these preventive measures, the government has implemented a structured penalty system for non-compliance. Households in <keyword id="19924983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-areas" source="keywords">urban areas</keyword> are subject to a fine of Rs 400, while those in rural areas face a Rs 200 fine. Commercial establishments, such as offices, restaurants, and schools, are liable for a Rs 1,000 fine in urban areas and Rs 500 in rural areas. Construction sites, whether active or abandoned, face the heaviest fines — Rs 2,000 in urban areas and Rs 1,000 in rural areas.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111316992" title="Dengue in obese children is more likely to result in hospitalisation, study finds" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>For those who fail to comply with these regulations, the consequences are more severe. Authorised officers from the <keyword id="19898915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-department" source="keywords">Health Department</keyword> have been empowered to inspect properties and enforce these rules. If a property owner fails to comply with a notice to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, the authorities are authorised to take the necessary actions themselves and recover the costs from the defaulter. Additionally, if violations continue, an extra 50% of the total fine may be imposed each week until compliance is achieved.<br /><br />It is imperative to act swiftly if you receive a notice regarding mosquito breeding on your property. Ignoring such a notice not only increases your financial burden due to accumulating fines but also puts your community at greater risk of dengue. By adhering to these regulations and taking proactive steps to prevent mosquito breeding, you can avoid penalties and contribute to the larger public health effort to control the spread of dengue in Karnataka.<br />

You Searched For "bengaluru karnataka" and got 6 results

Bengaluru on dengue alert: City reports over 1,000 cases in 20 days; BBPM Chief falls prey to disease

BI India Bureau

Karnataka Health Department bans use of artificial food colouring in kebabs; imposes hefty fine of 10 lakhs!

Ashmita Gupta

Food safety officials in Karnataka report cancer-causing agents and artificial colours in pani puri samples

BI India Bureau

Hopping signals or using phones when cops aren’t there? You’re still going to get instant-fined, thanks to Bengaluru’s new AI cameras

Ankush Banerjee

Cancer-causing dyes have been detected in popular bakery items in Bengaluru — here’s which items you might need to avoid

BI India Bureau

Dengue fine? Here's what you must do to avoid government penalty as Karnataka declares dengue an epidemic

Ankush Banerjee

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