Tamil Nadu Imposes Ban on Sale of Candy Floss over Cancer-Causing Dye Discovery

PHOTO BY - INTERNET

The production and distribution of candy floss in Tamil Nadu have been prohibited by Health Minister Ma Subramanian following findings from tests conducted by the government lab which confirmed the existence of carcinogenic substances in specimens obtained from beaches and other locations in Chennai by the food safety department.

With the test results from the Government Food Analysis Laboratory supporting the presence of cancer-causing elements in candy floss, its sale has been forbidden in the state. The incorporation of Rhodamine-B as a food additive in the processing, packaging, importation, sale, or serving of food containing it at public gatherings like weddings will be deemed punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Commissioner of Food Safety has instructed authorities to implement stringent measures in line with the Act.

A few weeks back, team officials led by P Satheesh Kumar, Food Safety Department's appointed officer in Chennai, undertook raids on stalls in Marina beach and other regions vending candy floss. This event transpired shortly after a similar operation in Puducherry, where examinations revealed the presence of Rhodamine-B, an industrial colorant, in the delivered candy floss. The dye was utilized as an artificial coloring medium in the sweet.

Satheesh Kumar had previously alerted the public to refrain from consuming candy floss until the results of the tests conducted in Chennai were disclosed.

On February 16, an official statement was issued by the food safety department confirming the detection of Rhodamine-B in the samples of candy floss, also recognized as cotton candy, and labeling the specimens as ‘below standard’ and ‘hazardous’.

HASHTAGS - TAMIL NADU | CHENNAI | COTTON CANDY BAN | CANCER