Toxic Industrial Dye Detected in Cotton Candy Samples in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department has uncovered the presence of Rhodamine-B, an industrial dye, in samples of cotton candy during routine inspections in Chennai. Rhodamine-B, which is strictly prohibited for food coloring due to its severe health implications, was found to be present in the analyzed samples, rendering them substandard and unsafe under food safety regulations.

According to P. Satheesh Kumar, an official from the department, consumption of Rhodamine-B can lead to immediate symptoms such as stomach fullness, itching, and breathing difficulties, with long-term exposure posing even more serious risks including kidney and liver damage, intestinal ulcers, and neurotoxicity.

The department has warned against the use of Rhodamine-B in any food-related activities and has vowed to take strict legal action against those found violating food safety regulations by employing this hazardous dye.