Ban On Sale And Production Of Cotton Candy:
The Tamil Nadu government 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.
- Rhodamine-B is a water-soluble chemical compound.
- While it appears green in powder form, it turns vivid fluorescent pink when it comes in contact with water.
- It is a chemical commonly used for dyeing in the textile, paper, leather, and paint industries as a colouring agent that helps in attaining the red and pink spectrum.
- “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.
- It is an industrial dye which is not allowed in food anywhere in the world as it is toxic.
- Researchers have identified that if food containing this chemical is consumed regularly, it can cause damage to the cerebellum tissue in the brain and to the brainstem that connects the brain to the spinal cord.
- These damages can lead to functional abnormalities and can hinder human motor functioning.
- The chemical is toxic to 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 tumours over time.
