Cotton Candy in the Crosshairs

- Recently, Himachal Pradesh has instituted a one-year ban on the manufacturing, sale, and storage of Cotton Candy or Candy floss.

- This action was taken after Rhodamine B, a potentially harmful colouring agent, was found present in this popular carnival snack.

- Other states in India, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, have already put similar restrictions in place about the usage of such harmful food colourings.

The Dangers of Cotton Candy

- Regular consumption of snacks containing these synthetic dyes may lead to serious long-term health risks, including possible carcinogenesis.

- Cotton candy primarily comprises spun sugar, sold prevalently at carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks. It forms a fluffy texture, similar to cotton, when spun out through tiny holes after being heated and liquefied.

Decoding Rhodamine B

- Rhodamine B, an inexpensive colouring agent, is commonly used in the textile, paper, and leather industries.

- This agent has been illicitly used to colour street foods like cotton candy and gobi manchurian, despite being unfit for consumption and capable of causing acute toxicity and irritation in the eyes and respiratory tract.

- Though not classified as carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation, some studies on rats indicate carcinogenic effects.

The Affairs of Colour in Food

- Although Rhodamine B is not generally added to food products, it often finds its way into street food sold by small vendors due to ignorance about permissible food dyes.

- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has expressly prohibited Rhodamine B in food products under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. Violations can result in punishment. 

Approved Food Colours under the Food Safety Act, 2006

- The FSSAI permits only a few natural and synthetic colours in food items.

- Natural colours include Carotene, Carotenoids, Chlorophyll, Riboflavin, Caramel, Annatto, Saffron, and Curcumin whereas synthetic allowed colours are Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine, Erythrosine, Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF, Indigo Carmine, Brilliant Blue FCF, and Fast Green FCF.

- However, even these permissible food colours are not permitted in all food items and have specified uses.

Understanding the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

- The FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, is an autonomous statutory body with the mandate of protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India.

- FSSAI is responsible for standardising regulations for food products, granting licences to food businesses, enforcing food safety laws, and conducting risk assessments and research on food safety issues.

- The FSSAI also organises campaigns and events such as World Food Safety Day, Eat Right India, and Food Safety Mitra, among others, aiming to educate and create awareness about food safety.

This new emergence of food safety issues serves to remind the public and food vendors alike on the critical importance of having only safe and approved ingredients in our food. The bans aim at enforcement and adherence to these crucial food safety regulations to protect public health.