Shivamogga: Shivamogga assistant commissioner Maithri, along with revenue department officials, on Monday conducted a surprise inspection at a major arecanut processing and dispatch facility in Bullapura, on the outskirts of Shivamogga city. The unit buys arecanut directly from local farmers, processes it in bulk, and distributes it across Karnataka and other states.The district administration initiated the inspection following public complaints regarding the illegal use of toxic industrial dyes to give arecanut a deep red colour. Officials noted that applying artificial dyes is a fraudulent trade practice meant to pass off low-quality produce as premium grade, which poses severe health risks to consumers and damages the reputation of genuine arecanut growers, officials said.During the raid, officials collected several samples for laboratory testing. Maithri warned that strict legal action will be taken if chemical adulteration is confirmed. She urged processors and traders to rely strictly on hygienic processing, proper drying, and quality selection to maintain the natural colour and value of the produce while protecting farmers’ livelihoods.Maithri emphasised that non-food-grade industrial dyes such as Rhodamine B and Sudan dyes—classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO)—cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys. Continuous consumption of chemically coloured arecanut can lead to oral cancer, stomach ulcers, severe allergies, and respiratory issues, as the dyes directly adhere to the oral mucosa during chewing.The administration reiterated that adding artificial colour to arecanut is banned. Due to instances of chemical adulteration, several export and interstate consignments from Karnataka and Kerala have been rejected at destination markets. Additionally, chemically treated arecanut spoils faster, develops fungal growth, and loses its natural flavour and aroma.Tahsildar Rajeev and revenue were present during the inspection.
