CHENNAI: The colourful melt-in-your-mouth
cotton candy
sold on beaches turned white, a day after the
food safety
wing seized more than 1,000 packs that were supposedly laced with
synthetic dyes
.
While children were disappointed to see
vibrant hues
of pink and blue fade off their favourite confection,
health officials
said they were hoping to see fewer colours on other snacks including spring potatoes, fried fish, and bhajjis. “The health department received information that harmful synthetic dyes were being used to make cotton candies,” said designated food safety officer (Chennai) Dr P Satheesh Kumar.
On Thursday, when officials raided a few shops on the Marina, vendors said they used dyes to colour the candy. “Only FSSAI permitted food colours and flavours can be used in food items. During our enquiry we found manufacturers using synthetic dyes that are unsafe. We have sent some samples for testing. We are also trying to track down the manufacturers,” he said.
Food safety officials said they would send a report to the health department on use of unsafe colours in food. “It’s difficult to do spot tests to see if the colours used are safe or toxic. So, for now, we have advised all vendors to sell only white cotton candy,” Dr Satheesh Kumar said. Some dyes can cause allergies to the skin and digestive system and in the long-term increase the risk of cancer, experts said.
Vendors complained about dip in sales. “We have been selling pink, blue and sunset yellow candy for several years on the beach. My son grew up eating them,” said Rasathi R, a vendor. A few yards away, Joseph R, 50, added edible ears, eyes, and whiskers, anything to attract his five-year-old customer. “This cat will vanish when it touches your tongue,” he told the child.
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