Himachal Pradesh has instituted a one-year ban on the production, sale and storage of cotton candy or candy floss after the presence of potentially hazardous colouring agents was confirmed in samples. The ban is on the heels of states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa, which have implemented similar restrictions on harmful colouring agents.Consumption of snacks containing these artificial colours may pose long-term health risks, including Cancer.
Cotton Candy
- Cotton candy, also known as candy floss or fairy floss in some regions, is a type of spun sugar confectionery that is typically served at carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks.
- It is made by heating and liquefying sugar and then spinning it out through tiny holes where it re-solidifies in long strands.
- These strands are gathered onto a cone or stick, forming a fluffy, cotton-like texture.
Rhodamine B
- Rhodamine B is a colouring agent commonly used in textile, paper, and leather industries. The colourant is low-cost and is sometimes used to give vibrant hues to popular street food items such as gobi manchurian and cotton candy.
- The dye is not fit for consumption and may lead to acute toxicity. Exposure to the chemical may also damage the eye and cause irritation in the respiratory tract.
- While the World Health Organisation, which maintains a list of cancer-causing agents, says it cannot be classified as carcinogenic to humans, there are some studies on rats that have shown carcinogenic effects.
Usage in Food Products
- It is not commonly added to food products, Rhodamine B is usually reported from small roadside vendors in small cities.
- This is because of a lack of understanding about dyes that are permissible in food items. Small vendors are not aware that this dye can be harmful as its effects might not always be felt immediately.
- It is usually “illegally” added to preparations such as gobi manchurian, potato wedges, butter chicken, pomegranate juice, ice creams produced on a small scale, or cotton candies.
Legality
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specifically banned Rhodamine B from being used in food products.
- Any use of this chemical in the preparation, processing, and distribution of food is punishable under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
- The Act of 2006, consolidates various laws related to food, such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the Fruit Products Order, 1955, the Meat Food Products Order, 1973, and other acts that were previously handled by different ministries and departments.
- The Act also aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, by moving from multi-level, multi-departmental control to a single line of command.
- FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- FSSAI has a headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in eight zones across the country.
- The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI, appointed by central government. The Chairperson is in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.