The Karnataka government has taken a tough stand on the practice of cooking idlis on plastic sheets and has completely banned it. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao called it a serious threat to public health and said that this practice can lead to toxic chemicals getting mixed in the idlis, which has a bad effect on people's health.

The health minister said that 251 hotels were inspected across the state, out of which 51 hotels were found to be using plastic sheets. Notices have been issued to all of them. The minister posted on Twitter (formerly Twitter) saying that the use of plastic in cooking idlis is dangerous for health. When plastic is heated, harmful chemicals from it get released into the food, which can cause serious health problems.

Dangers of making idlis in plastic

Experts say that heating plastic releases cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogenic substances). When idli batter is placed on a plastic sheet and steamed, these toxic elements can dissolve in the idlis. This increases the risk of hormonal imbalance, cancer, liver damage and other serious diseases. The Health Minister said that traditionally cotton cloth was used to cook idlis, but now many hoteliers are using plastic sheets for convenience. This is a dangerous practice and public health cannot be compromised with this.

Karnataka government's strict action

The state government has taken a tough stand on the use of plastic sheets and said that from now on, the use of plastic sheets in cooking idlis will be completely banned. If any hotel or restaurant violates this rule, strict action will be taken against them. The minister also appealed to the public that if they see any hotel or restaurant continuing this practice, they should immediately inform the administration.

Appeal to adopt healthy options

The health department has urged all hotels to use stainless steel plates or banana leaves instead of plastic sheets. These options are not only safe for health but are also environmentally friendly.