Use of Harmful Dyes in Celebration Cakes Poses a Threat to Public Health

KABUL (Pajhwok): Findings of Food and Drug Authority (FDA) indicate that many celebration cakes in the country are decorated with metallic paints and their excessive consumption can lead to allergies, chronic diseases and even cancer.

Various types of cakes and cookies are produced and sold in Kabul, among which eye-catching celebration cakes with vibrant designs and colors are very popular. Families often serve these cakes at events like weddings, birthdays, and other celebratory gatherings.

However, the Ministry of Public Health warns that the unauthorized use of metallic colors in cakes can cause chronic illnesses, allergies, and even cancer.

Why MoPH issued this warning?

Last year, FDA of the MoPH inspected a large number of cake and cookie factories in Kabul. They discovered that metallic colors were being used to decorate celebration cakes.

Eng. Shafiqullah Shafaq, Head of Food Surveillance Analysis at the FDA, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “Last year, we visited many cookie factories unannounced. During in-person inspections, we noticed they were using metallic colors to decorate celebration cakes. We collected samples and brought them here for further investigation.”

He added that the main reason given by bakers for using these artificial colors was a lack of awareness about their harmful effects.

He also noted that such materials were used in almost all bakeries across Kabul.

Shafaq shared a copy of their investigation findings with Pajhwok.

In the report titled “Risk Analysis (22): Use of Metallic Colors in the Food Industry”, it states: “In recent years, the use of metallic colors in food products has become a concerning public health issue. These colors are often used to make foods more visually appealing but frequently lack official health approval and can have harmful effects on human health.”

The report adds that these colors often contain heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, zinc, and nickel.

Health consequences of these colors

Shafaq said: “Metallic colors mean that they contain heavy metals — chromium, lead. If heavy metals enter the digestive system, they can cause chronic and dangerous diseases. Even if it’s just for decoration, these should not be consumed.”

The report by the FDA explains that one of the major concerns regarding these colors is their potential to cause allergies and damage to the digestive, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems. Various studies have also shown a possible link between long-term consumption of these colors and increased risk of cancer.

This highlights the urgent need for public awareness and avoidance of such harmful additives.

According to the report, these colors can trigger skin allergic reactions such as itching, redness, and swelling, as well as respiratory issues like shortness of breath and coughing.

In terms of the digestive system, they can irritate the intestinal lining and cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and possibly gastric ulcers.

The report also notes: “Metallic colors in some food products may contain heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, nickel, and cadmium, which play a significant role in the development of cancer. While findings are sometimes contradictory, some studies have shown that these metals can increase the risk of cancers such as colon, stomach, and kidney cancer.”

The ministry’s response, actions

The report states that, first and foremost, consumers need to be informed about the risks of unauthorized color use so they can avoid buying and consuming such products.

It further emphasizes the need to strengthen health and legal monitoring to prevent the use of harmful colors in the food industry. Additionally, more research is required to assess the long-term effects of these additives and to implement effective public health strategies.

Given the rising use of metallic colors in food products, the need for consumer education and stricter monitoring is felt more strongly than ever. Although these colors may enhance the visual appeal of food, they pose serious health risks.

Shafaq explained the ministry’s measures: “First, we issue recommendations. Then our public awareness teams visit the factories and explain the issue. After that, we conduct follow-up inspections. If the problem persists and they do not comply, legal action will be taken.”

He added: “We shared the issue with higher authorities, and their directive was that we can repeatedly conduct thorough inspections. If violations continue and they remain non-compliant, legal measures must follow.”

Public awareness needed

Shafaq added that in terms of imports, alternative materials can be used instead of these harmful colors. These metallic decorative colors are industrial and are typically used in painting buildings or furniture.

He suggested that instead, food-grade colors should be used—those that are safe for consumption and do not cause digestive or health issues.

Factory Workers: We use these colors based on customer demand

Shafiqullah, a senior baker at a cake and cookie factory in Kabul, told Pajhwok that he uses metallic colors in cakes due to customer orders.

He said: “I use cake ingredients and cream, and these colors are only for decoration. Most designs come from the internet. Some customers even say: ‘Color it—we won’t eat it—but the design must be there.'”

According to him, they also consume these cakes themselves and give them to their families.

He added: “Since the Ministry of Health announced that these colors are harmful, we’ve reduced our usage. Now, we only use them for specific orders when customers insist.”

Similarly, Mohsen, another baker at a cake and cookie factory in Kabul, said that various ingredients are used in cake production, but metallic colors are used upon customer request.

He said: “Before using these colors based on a customer’s order, we inform them about the nature of the color and ask whether to use it or not. These metallic colors are only mixed with 70% medical alcohol. We know it’s harmful, so we use them only for customer’s orders.”

He added that they have decided to stop using these colors in baking going forward.

sa/ma