Cotton candy can be seen being sold in front of schools, parks and promenades. Attractive to children, this sweet pink color is suspected to contain cancer-causing ingredients.
Cotton candy was banned in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu last week. The state authorities took the decision after laboratory tests of the samples found the cancerous substance Rhodamine-B.
Earlier this month, cotton candy was banned in Puducherry. Sample testing has also started in other states.
Cotton candy is popular among children around the world. It gives a sweet taste that melts in the mouth. But Indian health officials say it is very dangerous to health. D Satish Kumar, Food Safety Officer in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, told The Indian Express that the toxic ingredients in Hawaiian sweets can cause cancer and spread to all parts of the body.
Last week, Satish and his team members raided a beach in Chennai and arrested cotton candy sellers. Satish said that those who sell these sweets in the city, all make them themselves and there is no registered factory.
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Within days, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale and consumption of cotton candy after samples were tested for the chemical rhodamine-B. Rhodamine-B gives a slightly pinkish tint when it is used. This chemical is used to dry clothes, cosmetics and inks.
Research has demonstrated that this substance can lead to cancer. In Europe and California, its usage in food is prohibited.
