Tamil Nadu Prohibits Cotton Candy Sale After Samples Detect Toxic Industrial Dye as Coloring Agent

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced that due to the discovery of Rhodamine-B in cotton candy samples, the sale of the candy had been prohibited in the state.

Cotton candy, a cherished childhood delight, faces a ban in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry owing to the detection of Rhodamine-B, a harmful dye used in its manufacturing.

Following an analysis of samples collected from stalls in Chennai which confirmed the presence of cancer-causing chemicals, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced the ban on selling cotton candy (Panju Mittai) in Tamil Nadu.

The recent analysis of several samples revealed the presence of Rhodamine-B, an industrial dye added to the candy as an artificial coloring agent.

In a press release issued on Saturday, February 17, 2024, the Minister stated that the analysis of color soft candy/candy floss samples at the Government Food Analysis Laboratory revealed the use of Rhodamine-B as an artificial coloring agent.

He underlined that as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, this was confirmed to be substandard and unsafe food.

Earlier this month, the State’s Food Safety Department had conducted raids to check the city’s cotton candy quality.

The Minister further explained that employing Rhodamine-B as a food additive in the manufacturing, packaging, import, and sale processes, along with serving food containing it at weddings, functions, or public events, constitutes a punishable offense under the Act.

The Commissioner of Food Safety has instructed enforcement officers within the department to take stringent action under the Act.

Sellers can resume after obtaining a quality certificate from the food safety department.

Health hazards of cotton candies currently being manufactured

P. Satheesh Kumar, the designated officer of the Food Safety Department in Chennai, previously elucidated that Rhodamine-B is a dye primarily used in industrial applications such as leather coloring and paper printing. He emphasized that it should not be utilized for food coloring due to its immediate and long-term health risks.

According to Kumar, the immediate effects of consumption include stomach fullness, itching, and breathing difficulties. Moreover, he highlighted that prolonged ingestion of the dye can result in its accumulation in the body for up to 60 days, with deposits potentially forming in the kidneys, liver, and intestine.

This extended exposure can impair kidney function irreversibly, affect liver function, and lead to the development of non-healing ulcers in the intestine that may progress to cancer. Additionally, he warned of potential neurotoxic effects associated with Rhodamine-B consumption.

Rhodamine-B is a synthetic dye primarily used in non-consumable industrial applications such as coloring textiles, paper, and plastics. While it is safe to use in these products, the same dye when consumed can lead to several health hazards.

It belongs to the family of rhodamine dyes, which are known for their vibrant pink to red-colors. However, Rhodamine-B is not approved for use in food products.