Recently, Goa’s Mapusa banned the popular Indo-Chinese dish, gobi manchurian from being sold at roadside stalls. The reason? Vendors were adding synthetic colours, Ajinomoto and poor-quality sauces which had reetha( used in shampoos and detergents) in the dish. And now, Puducherry has banned the sale of cotton candy. Read on to learn why.
Toxic Chemicals Found In Cotton Candy Sold In Puducherry
On February 8, the Puducherry government banned the sale of cotton candy. This is due to the use of toxic chemicals in preparing the cotton candy. Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan made this announcement by sharing a video on her official Instagram handle. She requested people to not buy cotton candy for children as the toxic substances in it may negatively impact their physical health.
As per a report by India Today, vendors who have a quality certificate from the food safety department are permitted to sell cotton candy. The governor also stated in the video that ‘Rhodamine B’, a toxic substance has been discovered by authorities in cotton candies in Puducherry. These cotton candies are consumed by both adults and children alike. It’s a service issue.
Also Read: Why Have Some Goan Towns Banned Gobi Manchurian? Find Out
Vendors Need to Have License From Food Department
Moreover, Puducherry government officials are directed to inspect shops and stalls selling cotton candy to detect the presence of toxic substances in them. The governor requested the public in Puducherry to make an informed decision. She stressed the fact that cotton candy sold in Puducherry was found to have colour additives that are toxic.
Rhodamine B or RhB is a chemical compound that is used as a dye. National Institutes of Health (NIH.gov) website informs that Rhodamine B can enter the body through food. It can lead to oxidative stress on cells and tissues. When its consumed for a long time, this chemical compound can cause critical health issues like cancer or liver dysfunction. When the human body is exposed to it in large quantities in a short period, it can lead to acute poisoning.
If you’re travelling to Puducherry, make sure you are super careful when it comes to buying cotton candy in the coastal city.
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