Chennai: Cotton candy sold in Chennai has been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals Rhodamine-B, leading to an immediate ban imposed by the Tamil Nadu government.
The move comes just days after similar action was taken by Puducherry authorities following the discovery of the hazardous chemical Rhodamine-B in the popular confectionery.
The crackdown on cotton candy vendors at Chennai’s Marina Beach and Besant Nagar beaches revealed alarming results during laboratory tests conducted by state health officials. The samples seized were found to contain Rhodamine-B, a chemical compound known for its carcinogenic properties.
The Government Food Analysis Laboratory in Guindy analyzed samples of colored cotton candy, declaring them ‘substandard and unsafe’ under various sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The presence of a textile dye and Rhodamine-B in the sweet treat raised significant concerns about public health and safety.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, selling or serving food articles with Rhodamine-B is deemed a punishable offense, as stated in a release from Health Minister Ma Subramanian.
The ban extends to the preparation, packaging, importing, and selling of such food items, particularly in marriage ceremonies and public functions.
The Commissioner of Food Safety has directed food safety officers to take strict actions against violators.
Concerns about the use of harmful chemicals in cotton candy prompted the food safety department to confiscate samples sold at Marina Beach on February 8. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of Rhodamine-B, a chemical previously used in matches and incense sticks, responsible for the vivid pink and green hues in the confectionery.
Senior Food Safety Officer Ravichandran highlighted the dangers associated with the chemical, explaining that Rhodamine-B, if ingested, can lead to cancer. Cases have been registered against cotton candy sellers, predominantly from northern states, and arrests have been made. Authorities are actively collecting information about individuals involved in selling cotton candy across Chennai.
The Food Safety Department has issued a public warning against consuming cotton candy sold in pink, green, and purple colors. They have also recommended that the Health Department take stringent actions against companies using chemicals, including Rhodamine-B, in their products.
The ban on cotton candy sales in TamilNadu underscores the urgent need for stringent food safety measures to protect the public from potential health hazards.