In Goa, there is a controversy over Gobi Manchurian. Now, no one can enjoy Gobi Manchurian here. Shopkeepers or street vendors cannot serve Gobi Manchurian to people because it has been banned.
The proposal to ban Gobi Manchurian started having an impact as soon as it was passed. Many items, including Gobi Manchurian, were part of the menu at the Bodgeshwar Jatra (festival), but Gobi Manchurian was removed from the list due to the imposed ban.
Last month, Councilor Tarak Arolkar of the Mapusa Municipal Council suggested imposing a ban on Gobi Manchurian at the Bodgeshwar Temple Jatra. Other councilors also supported his decision. Even the opposition praised Councilor Tarak Arolkar’s decision. Since then, Gobi Manchurian has not been served at public events.
The ban on Gobi Manchurian is attributed to the fact that it is not good for health. One reason is that the way it is prepared is not healthy. Another significant reason is the use of synthetic colors in its preparation, which can be harmful to health. These colors can change and turn red, posing a danger to health.
Gobi Manchurian is not the first dish to face a ban in Goa. Several popular fusion dishes have faced opposition before. In 2022, a ban was also imposed on Gobi Manchurian, causing surprise and disappointment among food enthusiasts and tourists.
After this decision, shopkeepers and street vendors are not happy. They don’t understand why some dishes are being targeted for restrictions. Authorities have prohibited them from selling Gobi Manchurian.
A senior Food Safety Officer from the FDA states that Gobi Manchurian often comes with contaminated chutney. Additionally, harmful maize starch is used to keep it crispy for a long time. Now it remains to be seen how the controversy over Gobi Manchurian unfolds in Goa.