Cotton candy has been the favorite sweet of many people. Especially children eat it with great heart. It is famous for its soft texture and unique taste.
In the villages of North India, people also know cotton candy as ‘old lady’s hair’. Whenever this is mentioned, childhood memories are often refreshed.
However, cotton candy eaters need to be alert now. Tamil Nadu government has banned the sale of cotton candy.
This decision was taken after food analysis. Cancer causing chemicals have been found in cotton candy being sold in the state.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramaniam informed about ban on cotton candy. It was informed by the Health Ministry that Rhodamine-B has been found in cotton candy. With this in mind, cotton candy has been deemed unsafe for consumption.
The ministry banned the sale of cotton candy under the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006). A press release issued by the ministry said, ‘As per the Act, packaging, importing, selling and serving food items containing Rhodamine-B at wedding ceremonies and public gatherings is a punishable offence.’
Apart from Tamil Nadu, restrictions in this state also
State Health Minister Subramanian said that instructions have been issued to officials to investigate and take action against those violating the ban.
It is known that cotton candy is already banned in Puducherry, the neighboring union territory of Tamil Nadu. This ban was imposed after poisonous chemicals were found in this product.
The ban on cotton candy in Puducherry was announced by Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan a week ago. The use of Rhodamine-B in making cotton candy has been declared poisonous.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to check shops selling cotton candy. It was also asked to seize the stocks where toxic chemicals were found.