One-year prohibition imposed on cotton candy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 16 2024:
In the interest of public health, the State Government has prohibited the manufacture, distribution, import, storage and sale of cotton candy, whether packaged or unpackaged, for a period of one year in Manipur.
The prohibition was imposed considering the health concerns that may arise due to the consumption of cotton candy containing Rhodamine B, a non-permitted synthetic colour, by the general public particularly children, informed a notification issued by Dr Vineet Joshi, Chief Secretary (Health & FW), Commissioner of Food Safety.
It further added that Rhodamine B was detected in cotton candy as per the laboratory report from FSSAI notified laboratory through surveillance drives and sampling of cotton candy in the markets of Manipur.
In addition, the notification maintained that Rhodamine B is highly toxic and carcinogenic for humans.
Therefore, indiscriminate use of Rhodamine B in food preparation poses significant health risks to consumers.
The Chief Secretary has warned that non-compliance with this notification will lead to a penalty of upto Rs 2 lakh.