Sweet shock: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry enforce ban on beloved cotton candy. Here’s why

“Rhodamine-B is not just another food colouring; it’s a chemical primarily used in industrial applications, including as a tracer dye in water and a colourant in textiles and plastics. The allure of its bright colour has, unfortunately, made its way into the food industry, particularly in sweets like cotton candy, despite its non-approval for food use by food safety authorities,” Neurosurgeon and Head Researcher at Nonpareil Centre for Neuro and Psychosomatic Development, Dr Akhil Raj explains to South First.

According to the Government Food Analysis Laboratory in Guindy, samples of coloured cotton candy contained Rhodamine-B, a textile dye and chemical compound, classifying them as “substandard and unsafe” under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian emphasised, in a press statement, that under the Act, it is illegal to prepare, package, import, sell, or serve food containing Rhodamine-B at weddings and public events, with penalties for non-compliance.

This decision by Tamil Nadu and Puducherry comes in the wake of alarming reports highlighting potential health risks linked to Rhodamine-B. Studies suggest that prolonged ingestion of this dye can be carcinogenic and lead to severe health issues, including organ damage.

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The issue with Rhodamine-B in food

Experts argue that the nonchalant use of such a hazardous substance in food, particularly in food widely consumed by children, is a ticking time bomb for public health. The bans in these regions set a precedent for a nationwide call to action.

Rhodamine-B’s presence in edibles underscores a glaring loophole in food safety regulations, demanding immediate attention. Nupur Bidla, Member of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), voices concerns about the widespread consumption of cotton candy, emphasising its lack of nutritional value and the potential health risks associated with its vibrant appeal.

“Cotton candy is essentially just sugar and artificial colouring — high in empty calories and devoid of any nutritional benefits,” Bidla explains to South First. She emphasises the need for a closer examination of the chemical composition of cotton candy. “The use of artificial colouring in foods, particularly those targeted at children, poses significant health concerns,” she adds, urging consumers and regulators alike to scrutinise and rethink the ingredients that go into popular treats.

Dr Akhil Raj goes on to suggest that the surge in children with global developmental delay, coupled with the widespread use of Rhodamine-B-containing products, may not be a mere coincidence. He explains, “Rhodamine-B and its metabolise causes oxidative stress, leading to degeneration in the parts of the brain. The effect on the cerebellum leads to various abnormalities such as walking difficulties, body tremors, and limb cramps, along with disruption in sleep-wake cycle, awareness, respiratory or cardiovascular control a impaired coordination and communication between the cerebrum, spinal cord, and cerebellum.”

“This also causes lack of communication between motor and sensory neurons to different parts of the brain causing sensory and motor integration delays, like speech deficit, ADHD, olfactory, vestibular, visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, and interoceptive dysfunction,” he adds.

He adds that another big challenge in geriatric care. “The recent increase in the number of dementia patients, the biggest challenge in geriatric care is caused due to this unhealthy habits and adulteration in the fast food. From the fast food chains in the streets, usage of this dye in tomato ketchup, red chilli sauce, and the biggest delicacy of Szechuan sauce has catalised the widespread of deteriorating brain function in youth and aging humans. This even leads to family problems, and psychiatric instability,” Dr Raj explains.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, a renowned gastroenterologist from Kerala, echoes concern about Rhodamine-B’s use and potential health risks, noting that several countries have already banned its use in food.

“It has been used illegally as a colouring agent in street food, including various sauces. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified Rhodamine-B as a Group 3 agent, which means it is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans,” Dr Jayadevan tells South First.

He stresses the importance of avoiding potentially unsafe colouring agents in food, as the absence of published human data doesn’t guarantee safety.

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Nationwide ban required

Experts are urging other states to acknowledge the risks posed by such chemicals in food and consider similar bans to safeguard their citizens’ health. A nationwide ban would not only eliminate a harmful substance but also underscore the importance of food safety standards and consumer health protection.

It’s a wake-up call for regulatory authorities to tighten the noose on unapproved and hazardous food additives that find their way into our diets.

Director of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Public Health, Dr TS Selva Vinayagam, emphasises to South First the need for checks based on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) list of approved and prohibited colouring agents. “It is harmful to humans, being identified as both carcinogenic and neurotoxic. It would be prudent for them to conduct checks and make informed decisions based on the FSSAI’s list of approved and prohibited coloring agents,” he says.