Some Indian states have banned cotton candy and others are bracing for fears that the artificial dye used to color the popular sweet contains a cancer-causing substance.
Tamil Nadu in southern India last week banned the sale of the sweet after lab tests revealed it contained Rhodamine-B, a cancer-causing substance.
Puducherry, a union territory, has also banned the famous children’s treat, while other states are set to conduct tests on the candy popular with children.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said in a statement last week that laboratory tests revealed the presence of Rhodamine-B, present in an industrial dye added to candy as an artificial colour.
He said under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it was confirmed to be “substandard” and “unsafe” food.
Rhodamine-B has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and is banned from food products in Europe and California.
Andhra Pradesh and Delhi are also considering banning cotton candy to protect public health.
The Andhra Pradesh Food Safety Commissioner said earlier this week that testing of samples is scheduled for this week. Based on the results of these tests, a decision on his ban will be made.
Earlier this month, an order issued by Puducherry Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said vendors who get a quality certificate from the food safety department can continue selling cotton candy.
