In India, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have imposed an immediate ban on the sale of cotton candy, a beloved sweet enjoyed by both children and adults. The ban comes as a result of the discovery of perilous additives, specifically Rhodamine-B, a textile dye and chemical compound, found in samples of colored cotton candy.

What is the reason behind ban?

The prohibition is rooted in the use of hazardous additives like Rhodamine-B, which imparts the vibrant pink hue to cotton candy. Despite being a chemical primarily used in industrial applications, including textiles and plastics, it has found its way into the food industry, posing potential health risks. Rhodamine-B, when ingested over an extended period, is suspected to be carcinogenic and can lead to severe health issues, including organ damage. Studies suggest a correlation between the consumption of this dye and an increased risk of health complications, prompting health experts to support the ban.

Legal Action:

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it is now illegal to prepare, package, import, sell, or serve food containing Rhodamine-B at weddings and public events in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Non-compliance will result in penalties.

Health authorities and experts are urging other states to follow suit, emphasizing the need for a nationwide call to action. The presence of Rhodamine-B in edibles reveals a significant loophole in food safety regulations that demands immediate attention.

Experts’ Opinions:

Neurosurgeon and Head Researcher at Nonpareil Centre for Neuro and Psychosomatic Development, Dr Akhil Raj, highlights the potential neurological impact of Rhodamine-B, linking it to developmental delays and brain function deterioration in both youth and aging individuals. Nupur Bidla, Member of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), expresses concerns about the lack of nutritional value in cotton candy, emphasizing the need for a closer examination of its chemical composition. She urges consumers and regulators to scrutinize and reconsider the ingredients in popular treats. Renowned gastroenterologist Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan notes that several countries have already banned the use of Rhodamine-B in food. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies Rhodamine-B as a Group 3 agent, indicating its potential carcinogenicity to humans.

Immediate Action Required:

Consumers are advised to refrain from consuming cotton candy, and retailers are urged to remove the banned products from their shelves. The bans underscore the need for enhanced food safety measures and a reevaluation of the chemicals used in popular food items.

This unexpected move by Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a reevaluation of the safety of widely consumed food items. Authorities and health experts are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Wake-up Call for Authorities:

This development serves as a wake-up call for regulatory authorities to tighten regulations on unapproved and hazardous food additives that may be present in various food items. The incident highlights the need for rigorous checks based on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) list of approved and prohibited coloring agents.

Dr TS Selva Vinayagam, Director of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Public Health, underscores the importance of informed decision-making based on FSSAI guidelines. He states, “It is harmful to humans, being identified as both carcinogenic and neurotoxic. It would be prudent for them to conduct checks and make informed decisions based on the FSSAI’s list of approved and prohibited coloring agents.”