Don’t cut cake on your birthday? Why You Should Think Twice Before Cutting a Cake on Your Birthday :- Weddings, celebrations, and even birthdays are all thick with cake-cutting ceremonies but recent research has begun to draw disturbing conclusions about the safety of cakes sold in mainstream commercial bakeries. The report shared by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) from Karnataka has put forth that cakes consist of alarming high quantity of chemical and artificial colors, the consumption of which can be harmful to health. This is why it might be a great idea to skip the cake on your birthday or any other day you consider special.
For centuries, birthday cakes have been the epitome of celebration and gaiety. However, a fresh look at the current status of many cake products from a number of famous cake shops situated in different regions of Karnataka has come out with very disturbing facts. The research paper published by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) examines 235 different cake specimens and presents shocking findings of excess toxic substances and food colors which are hazardous for health. This has led to an argument regarding the cakes and their consumption, as well as if we ought to entirely rethink the ancients of slice a cake traditions.
Startling Findings in Popular Cakes
As the investigation undertaken by FSSAI revealed, there are serious problems with the quality and safety of cakes purchased from popular chain bakeries. In the course of the test, samples of various cakes such as Red Velvet, Black Forest and chocolate and other popular varieties were taken. The outcome, however, was disturbing. Many samples carried artificial food colorings such as Allura Red, Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R (Marmoisine) among other staining agents in quantities that were significantly above the permitted safety levels. These substances were not only present in minimal levels, but their concentrations were above the levels defined by the health protection policy to ensure safety for the consumers.
The purpose of the colored materials is also to adorn the cakes such that they become more attractive because of the cakes’ enhanced and rich colors. The incorporation of such colors however is at a price to health which is however most of the time concealed from the public. These colors are highly present in culinary goods, and while there are many artificial colors available today, most countries like India, European Union, among others have set standards and even banned the use of some colors owing to health consequences that could arise from their excessive consumption.
Alarming Findings in Popular Cakes
A recent study which involved the examination of 235 cake samples collected from popular bakeries in Karnataka raised concern. Synthetic colors such as Allura Red, Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine, and Ponceau 4R (Marmoisine) were detected in the tests of cakes – food color additives that are banned in many countries including the European Union. These substances were found in intolerable levels making it a very serious concern for consumers’ health.
The Hidden Dangers of Artificial Colors
Such artificial colors are extensively used in enhancing the look and taste of such popular flavors like Red Velvet, Black Forest and most cake flavors and designs in general. However, while these make the cakes attractive, these chemicals are a danger to both physical and mental health. Its’ overuse has been associated with myriad health problems, from hyperactivity and damage to the nervous system to the more severe ailment, cancer. These additives may also compromise the immune system and expose one to health risks in the future.
The Health Hazards of Artificial Colors and Chemicals
It is no secret that a cake that is designed with lots of colors is visually appealing to a lot of people, but the dangers posed by such food colorings are risks that are better left un-taken. Studies have found that long term ingestion of food with synthetic colors can cause side effects that affect an individual’s health. For instance, these substances have been shown to cause hyperactivity and attention deficit in children, as well as developmental problems. Adults too are at risk as hypotheses have been proposed, showing association between consumption of artificial colorings and development of disorders such as mood swings, problems with the central nervous system and general cognitive tasks.
The dangers do not end with psychological effects; the chemicals are likely to be carcinogenic as this is evident with the samples of cakes taken among others. The prolonged intake of such colors increases the likelihood of incidence of cancer. There are accompanying effects on the immune system which lowers the threshold of defenses against infections and renders the body’s ability to cure itself of diseases inactive. Added to these dangers are the artificial color products which cause allergic reactions to a section of people making them suffer from conditions like hives, rashes and breathing problems.
Legal Regulations and Industry Violations
It is no secret that a cake that is designed with lots of colors is visually appealing to a lot of people, but the dangers posed by such food colorings are risks that are better left un-taken. Studies have found that long term ingestion of food with synthetic colors can cause side effects that affect an individual’s health. For instance, these substances have been shown to cause hyperactivity and attention deficit in children, as well as developmental problems. Adults too are at risk as hypotheses have been proposed, showing association between consumption of artificial colorings and development of disorders such as mood swings, problems with the central nervous system and general cognitive tasks.
The dangers do not end with psychological effects; the chemicals are likely to be carcinogenic as this is evident with the samples of cakes taken among others. The prolonged intake of such colors increases the likelihood of incidence of cancer. There are accompanying effects on the immune system which lowers the threshold of defenses against infections and renders the body’s ability to cure itself of diseases inactive. Added to these dangers are the artificial color products which cause allergic reactions to a section of people making them suffer from conditions like hives, rashes and breathing problems.
What Can Be Done?
The sorry fact is that even with the ban of such dangerous ingredients as stipulated in the FSSAI’s 2018 Act, many of the bakeries do not care for such regulations. This report is a warning for those who try to watch their weight. Store purchased ready to eat cakes are not advisable and the better option would be to prepare such cakes at home using organic ingredients.
Rethinking Birthday Traditions for Healthier Celebrations
Given this new understanding, it might be appropriate to start questioning the conventional ways of celebrating one’s birthday. Rather than cutting into a shop-bought cake one could eat healthier options like fresh fruit displays or even better bake healthy cakes at home. For those who want to go even further and eat cake one can find good quality bakeries that make health and safety a priority. In the end, it is apparent that health is a priority, even though one can enjoy the celebrations, it is possible to do so in a safe manner.
Conclusion
Regardless of how culturally entrenched the belief of having a birthday cake on birthdays may be, some recent research conducted by FSSAI has shown that these so called ‘harmless’ foods can also pose health risks. The FSSAI also states that the extent of the health risks in the cakes from popular bakeries contains too much unhealthy components and artificial colour for the health of the consumers. Healthier alternatives can be prepared at home or health resorts will bake the cakes, which will in turn prevent risk during such celebrations. Always remember: on your birthday take care of yourself first and inform your loved ones that good health is the best present.
In other words, before you get excited about a cake for the coming birthday celebration, let that opinion sink first. After all, what is health compared to a piece of cake?
The next time you plan a birthday celebration, think twice about the cake. Your health is worth more than a slice of artificial sweetness.
Making cake is that simple?? Oh this is dangerous 😭 pic.twitter.com/S24IF3d2m7
— Today Years Old (@todayyearsoldig) August 27, 2024