Cotton candy banned in TN due to presence of ‘cancer causing’ chemical

February 18, 2024 42 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 18 (MExN): The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday banned the sale and production of cotton candy in the state after it was found that the chemical Rhodamine-B was being used for making it, which is harmful for health.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said that samples of cotton candy were sent for testing by the food safety department, which found the presence of ‘cancer-causing’ Rhodamine-B in it, reported Indiatoday.

This comes just days after Puducherry banned the sale of cotton candy on February 9 due to the presence of Rhodamine-B in it.

What is Rhodamine B?
Rhodamine B is a water-soluble chemical compound which acts as a dye. Known for its bright pink colouration, the chemical is toxic for humans and can cause oxidative stress on cells and tissues if ingested. It becomes particularly hazardous when it is mixed with food products, leading to cancer and tumour over time. Cotton candy, which is often spotted in the shades of pink, seems to borrow it from the usage of Rhodamine B.

A recent review of the confectionery by the Government Food Analysis Laboratory, in Chennai, revealed the usage of Rhodamine B, which is a prohibited colouring agent as per the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006).

According to thenewsminute, Rhodamine B has been banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Yet, the presence of this chemical has been found in foods including the fruits and vegetables sold in the market to the dishes served by street vendors.

In August last year the FSSAI released a video on how to identify the adulteration of sweet potatoes with Rhodamine B, due to traders’ illegal usage of the chemical. A study from 2022, published in the Journal of Global Biosciences found the presence of Rhodamine B in chilli powders used for the preparation of different sauces by street vendors in Maharashtra.