Candy floss banned in India over carcinogenic concerns

A NUMBER of Indian states have banned candy floss after concerns that its dye could cause cancer.

Recent lab tests have confirmed the presence of Rhodamine B, deemed to be dangerous, in the colouring of the sweet. The southern state of Tamil Nadu is the latest region in India to ban candy floss, which is locally known as buddhi-ke-baal (old woman’s hair).

Puducherry, a Union Territory surrounded by Tamil Nadu, banned it some weeks earlier after safety officials confirmed the presence of Rhodamine B.

“We want to make sure people know that coloured candy may taste delicious but contains harmful chemicals that cause health hazards,” said Ma Subramanian, Tamil Nadu’s health minister, while imposing a ban on candy floss last week.

Rhodamine B is a dye commonly used in the textile industry, inks and cosmetics. A chemical compound, it functions as a water-soluble fluorescent dye and is known for its bright pink colouration when used in various applications.

However, exposure can lead to “oxidative stress, injury, increase in cell apoptosis and brainstem” and “the use of Rhodamine B in food for a long time leads to liver dysfunction or cancer, and when exposed to large amounts over a short period, it results in acute poisoning”, according to the National Library of Medicine.

It is banned in Europe and California. After Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, more Indian states including Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, are considering banning the sale of candy floss, according to several reports in Indian media.

Mr Subramanian said that the ban

‘We want people to know coloured candy may taste delicious but it contains harmful chemicals’

will help create awareness among those manufacturing the candy, vendors and customers, following which officials will ensure colour-free cotton candy is sold in the market.

He added that the samples taken for testing were declared ‘sub-standard and unsafe’.

“Preparation, packaging, importing, selling, serving food articles with Rhodamine B in marriage ceremonies and public functions is a punishable offence,” he said, adding that officials have been directed to take strict action against those using the harmful chemical in food items.