The Health Minister of Tamil Nadu Ma. Subramanian has banned the sales of cotton candy in Tamil Nadu after the analysis of samples collected by The Food Analysis Laboratory from the beaches and other areas confirmed the presence of cancer causing chemicals.
Rhodamine-B was found as a colouring agent in several samples of cotton candy and many other coloured sweets, terming them as unsafe for consumption. Rhodamine-B is a water soluble chemical compound which acts as dye and can be very toxic and hazardous for humans if consumed.
Satheesh Kumar, Food Safety Department officer in Chennai explained that Rhodamine-B is a dye that has industrial use. “It is used in leather colouring as well as paper printing. It cannot be used for food colouring, and has immediate and long-term health hazards,” quoted The Hinduas saying Kumar.
In a press release on February 17, 2024, the Minister revealed that Rhodamine-B, detected in color soft candy/candy floss samples by the Government Food Analysis Laboratory, deems it substandard and unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Earlier this month, the State’s Food Safety department conducted raids in the city to assess cotton candy quality. The Minister emphasized that deploying Rhodamine-B in food processes, packaging, import, sale, and serving at events violates the Act, prompting the Commissioner of Food Safety to instruct strict enforcement actions.
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