Cotton candy back under lens in AP over banned dye fears
The Andhra Pradesh Food Safety department has revived action against the sale of cotton candy in public places amid concerns that the popular treat may contain banned industrial dyes.
The issue surfaced in early 2024 after Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry banned cotton candy sales. Though similar action was discussed in Andhra Pradesh, the move did not progress then due to difficulties in collecting samples.
Despite the suspected use of Rhodamine B, a harmful colouring agent banned in the State, cotton candy continues to be sold at public gatherings in Vijayawada, including the recent Vijayawada Book Festival.
“In 2024, the ban in neighbouring States created fear among sellers here. For three to four months, they stayed away from public places, which made it difficult for our officers to collect samples,” said A.P. Joint Food Controller N. Purnachandra Rao.
With vendors now returning to public spots, the department has decided to start collecting samples again, beginning with Guntur and Vijayawada. Officials said many sellers come from other States and frequently shift locations, making enforcement difficult.
Mr. Rao said a formal ban in Andhra Pradesh can be imposed only after laboratory confirmation of prohibited colouring agents. Samples must therefore be collected from public places across the State.
Cotton candy is suspected to contain Rhodamine B, a dye widely used in the textile, paper, and leather industries, which gives the product its bright pink colour. Another colouring agent, Metanil Yellow, is also banned in food items, he said.
He clarified that not all synthetic food colours are prohibited. Some, such as Tartrazine, are permitted within limits. In sweets and bakery products, up to 100 parts per million of synthetic colour is allowed. In cold drinks and paan masala, the limit can go up to 5,000 ppm. However, synthetic colours are not permitted in hot food items such as curries.
The official urged parents not to buy cotton candy for children, citing unhygienic preparation practices and potential health risks.