[Resolved]  Shubhangan Restaurant — Synthetic colors used for food preparation

Address: Mumbai Suburban, Maharashtra

On 22nd May 2013 I went to this restaurant, Shubhangan Restaurant, Dahisar-East with my husband for dinner. We ordered 'hara bhara kebab masala and roti' for main course.I cut the kebab with spoon, while taking the kebab piece on roti I observed heavy streaks of bright green color (Refer photo attached). By the time I carefully observed it, my husband also saw the streaks of same bright green color on his plate.

I called the waiter and asked him what is the bright green color of, he bluntly replied 'palak'. I was like, please don't try to fool us, I told him to call the manager. He came back in 5mins with a small cup containing green puried palak, he told us that he has asked the chef and chef has told that its palak. My husband poured the purrie on his plate and showed him that the purrie is quite different from the streaks of bright green color on our plates. We again asked him to call the manager.

Again the waiter came after sometime and informed us that we use little color and it gets mixed in the purrie easily but doesn't get mixed properly in the kebab. I insisted him to call the manager.

Finally, manager came to our table and we showed him the plates. He immediately took away our plates and came back in sometime and informed us that they do use color and every restaurant uses color. I said ok and asked him to show that certificate that he uses food grade color. He replies 'Please come to the counter, baat karte hain udhar'.

We asked for the bill, paid the bill and went to the counter. There was this another gentleman at the counter, guess he is the owner. We asked for the certificate, he hesitatingly removed a file of documents and showed us the registration document. I told him I want some proof that you use food grade colors. He raised his voice and told that we agree we use color then said he request us on this regard. I told him you feed us poison and now requesting me to let this go. I told him i'll complain to FDA. He snatched the file from my hand and said you people only want color if the food item is not colorful we complain that its lacking color.

I am completely shocked by the attitude of the restaurant owner and its staff. The certificate was also not on display as required by the law.

Also as a medical professional I am aware that synthetic colors cause cancer. So on humanitarian grounds I request the authorities to take strict action against this and other such restaurants.

Indian Citizen!