News Excerpt:
The Tamil Nadu government banned the sale and production of cotton candy in the state after it was found that the toxic chemical Rhodamine-B was being used to make it.
About the news:
- Earlier, Puducherry banned the sale of cotton candy after it was declared ‘unsafe’ for consumption because it contained Rhodamine-B.
- Rhodamine-B (RhB) is highly toxic for humans and is banned under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
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What is Rhodamine B?
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Why is it harmful?
- If food containing this chemical is consumed regularly, it can cause damage to the cerebellum tissue in the brain and to the brainstem that connects the brain to the spinal cord.
- Even if consumed in low quantities, the chemical is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
- RhB, as a colouring agent in food products, is prohibited as per the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
