Tamil Nadu bans sale of cotton candy due to presence of 'cancer causing' chemical

Tamil Nadu bans sale of cotton candy due to presence of ‘cancer causing’ chemical

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.

“As per the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006, preparation, packaging, importing, selling and serving food items with Rhodamine-B in wedding ceremonies and other public events is a punishable offence,” the minister said in a statement.

Food safety department officials have been directed to review the matter and take strict action against the violators.Â

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

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.

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