The sale of cotton candy has been prohibited by the Tamil Nadu government due to test results indicating the presence of chemicals known to cause cancer. M Subramanian, the state minister of health, has directed food safety authorities to take the necessary precautions and stern action.
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said that cotton candy, or panju mittai, will no longer be sold in Tamil Nadu after samples taken from Chennai kiosks were analysed and it was found that the candy contained chemicals known to cause cancer.
The Minister stated in a news statement on Saturday, February 17, 2024, that Rhodamine-B was utilised as an artificial colouring additive when coloured soft candy/candy floss samples were analysed at the Government Food Analysis Laboratory. He said that this was verified to be inadequate and dangerous food in accordance with the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
The State’s Food Safety department carried out raids earlier this month to inspect the city’s cotton candy supply.
The Minister stated that it was illegal under the Act to use rhodamine-B as a food additive in the production, packaging, import, and sale of food, as well as to serve food containing it at weddings, parties, and public gatherings. According to him, the department’s enforcement officials have been instructed by the Commissioner of Food Safety to implement the Act strictly.
