Karnataka: Harmful chemicals in Chinese cuisine? Health staff clueless

Bengaluru: Health and Family Welfare Minister Ramesh Kumar has admitted that his department officials are clueless about the adverse implications of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other chemicals, used for preparing dishes at Chinese restaurants in the state and Bengaluru city in particular.

Replying to a question by BJP member Ramachandra Gowda in the Legislative Council on Monday, Mr Ramesh Kumar said: “I have enquired with officials about the negative impact of consuming food item which contains these chemicals but they have no statistics on this. I will not hesitate to admit the failure of my officials. But we will take measures to check the use of harmful chemicals in food products,” he added. The minister said the use of these chemicals could lead to minor health problems like headache, dehydration, sweating, chest pain and weakness.