The REAL story behind why Gobhi Manchurian is banned in Goa

Everyone loves fast food, whether it's Chinese, Indian, or Korean. Some snacks, like Manchurian, Fries, Golgappa, Dahi Bhalla, and Papdi, are considered all-time favourites. Simultaneously, Gobhi Manchurian is a dish relished across the country as a street food. The flavourful Gobhi Manchurian, filled with sausage and spices, is cherished by all, from kids to adults. Nowadays, hot Manchurian made from corn flour, cabbage, and carrots are also prepared and enjoyed at home. However, has the thought ever crossed your mind that the flavourful Gobi Manchurian might face a ban? In Goa, this has caused quite an uproar. If you enjoy Gobhi Manchurian, you'll be disappointed as the dish faces a recent ban in Goa. Councilor Tarak Arolkar suggested the prohibition, citing concerns about synthetic colours and cleanliness, especially in street vendors' versions. The controversial decision raises questions about regulating street food and public health standards. As soon as the ban was imposed, the hearts of this dish’s fans were shattered. People in the Mapusa area in Goa will no longer be able to relish this tasty dish. Let's delve into why this happened in detail in this article.
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Mapusa councilor Tarak Arolkar was the first to address this issue. He suggested banning cabbage during his visit to Bodgeshwar temple, garnering strong support from the people, leading to the imposition of a ban in the Mapusa area. However, it was previously banned in 2022, and subsequently, Cabbage Manchurian faced another prohibition. He cited the synthetic colour used in the dish and concerns about cleanliness as reasons for the ban. The colour used to enhance cabbage's appearance can pose health risks. Additionally, reports indicate that the chutney served with it is also harmful to health. In light of these factors, a ban on this dish was deemed necessary.

It is expressly prohibited to sell Gobhi Manchurian to shopkeepers and street vendors. This is due to their long-standing practice of selling poor-quality chutney and Gobhi Manchurian. A special kind of powder, detrimental to health, is often added to achieve a crunchy texture. Taking all these reasons into account, this Manchurian has been banned in Goa. But, it’s not the first time that a dish has been banned in a city. There have been several bans across the globe. Below are some of the popular foods and drinks banned across the world.

The popular energy drink Red Bull is banned in France, Denmark, and Lithuania. In Lithuania, the ban only applies to individuals under 18 years old. Concerns surround its potential to cause heart problems, depression, and hypertension. Despite these issues, it remains widely consumed in India and America.

Kinder chocolate, enthusiastically enjoyed by children in India, has faced a ban in America. This is attributed to the presence of colourful eggs (made from chocolate) inside, posing a potential choking hazard for children.

In Norway and Australia, all food items with colour number 6, including macaroni and cheese, are banned. Surprisingly, this ban is solely due to the colour used in these food items.