Dangerous chemical found in cotton candy, department issues notice to candy seller
Bilaspur: The test report of cotton candy sample has confirmed the presence of coloring material which is considered harmful to health. Eating this cotton candy can increase the risk of serious diseases like cancer. The team of Food Safety Department, Bilaspur had collected a sample of cotton candy in Ghumarwin market on February 20, which was sent to Kandaghat Lab for testing. The department has issued a notice to the candy seller. According to department officials, the sample report has arrived. In this report, it has been found that dangerous chemicals have been found in this sample of cotton candy.
People often know this cotton candy, which is often sold in the streets of the city, by the name of old lady’s hair. Everyone eats it with great enthusiasm. This is especially the first choice of children. Recently, after the ban on the sale of similar cotton candy in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Food Safety Department had become active in Himachal too. According to the department, dangerous chemicals were found in this cotton candy in two states. Due to this, an inspection was conducted in Ghumarwin city in the presence of food safety officials, in which the team found a migrant man selling candy. The team took samples of cotton candy and sent it to Kandaghat Lab.
Provision of fine and punishment of five lakh rupees
After finding a chemical considered extremely dangerous for health in the sample, the department has now started action against the person selling cotton candy. He will have to reply within 30 days. After this, a case will be filed against the said person in the court. Departmental officials say that in such cases, there is a provision of fine up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment of 6 months.
After the report of the sample taken from Ghumarwin market, it has been found that this cotton candy is made from a dangerous chemical, which is very dangerous for health. -Mahesh Sharma, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Department, Bilaspur.
Cotton candy sample filled with Ner Chowk also failed
The sample of cotton candy filled with Ner Chowk has also not passed the test. This has been revealed in the report from Kandaghat Lab. In the report, basic color rhodamine B has been found in this cotton candy, which is directly harmful for health. After completing the formalities, the case will now be filed in the court. The Food Safety Department has also issued a notice and sought answers for making cotton candy without a license. Recently, the Food Safety Department team had collected a sample of cotton candy in Ner Chowk market of Mandi.
In the lab report, the sample has now been found not to be as per the standards. Cancer-causing chemical Rhodamine-B has been found in the cotton candy banned in Tamil Nadu. Rhodamine-B is a synthetic dye. It is commonly used in various industries for the pink to red color present in cotton candy. Mixing it in food items is prohibited. On the other hand, Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety Department, LD Thakur said that action will be taken as per rules. Do not use any prohibited color, it is extremely harmful for health.
