Tamil Nadu Bans Cotton Candy Sales Due to Toxic Dye Contamination: The sale of cotton candy in Tamil Nadu has been prohibited after samples revealed the presence of a harmful industrial dye used as a coloring agent. Rhodamine-B, an industrial dye, was discovered in several samples during recent analysis, prompting immediate action.

According to a press release issued on Saturday, February 17, 2024, the Minister of Food Safety announced that Rhodamine-B was detected in the candy samples during testing at the Government Food Analysis Laboratory. This violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 rendered the candy substandard and unsafe for consumption.

The State’s Food Safety department conducted raids earlier this month to assess the quality of cotton candy in the region. The Minister emphasized that the use of Rhodamine-B in food production and distribution, including its presence in food served at events, constituted a punishable offense.

In addition to the ban on cotton candy, consumers and food vendors were urged to cease using newspapers for packing, serving, and storing food items due to associated health risks.

Rhodamine-B is an industrial dye with applications in leather coloring and paper printing. Its ingestion can lead to immediate symptoms such as stomach discomfort, itching, and respiratory issues. Long-term consumption can result in the accumulation of the dye in vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and intestines, leading to severe health complications including kidney and liver damage, intestinal ulcers, and neurological issues.

Strict enforcement measures have been mandated by the Commissioner of Food Safety to ensure compliance with the ban and safeguard public health.

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