After the governments of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Puducherry banned the sale of cotton candy in the early months of 2024, there was much discussion on whether the same decision should be taken in Andhra Pradesh. However, the process was halted due to hurdles in collecting samples. Despite the presence of the harmful coloring agent Rhodamine B, the use of which is banned in the state, cotton candy continues to be sold at public functions in Vijayawada, including the recent Vijayawada Book Festival.

Now, after almost two years, the process is set to begin across the state from next week. AP Joint Food Controller N.

Purnachandra Rao said, “In 2024, the ban on sale of cotton candy in neighboring states created fear among sellers in the state and they remained out of sight for three to four months, making it difficult for our officials to carry forward the sample collection process. ” With cotton candy now returning to public places, the state food safety department has decided to collect samples, starting with Guntur and Vijayawada. “Most of the vendors come from other states and keep traveling from one place to another, and it is difficult to catch them,” the state official said.

Mr Purnachandra Rao said the ban on cotton candy could not be implemented unless there was confirmation from laboratories about the presence of the coloring agent, and for that purpose samples needed to be collected from public places across the State. Cotton candy contains rhodamine B, which is a common dye used in the textile, paper and leather industries and is used to give foods a bright pink color.

Mr. Purnachandra Rao said that another coloring agent, Metanil Yellow, is also banned.

However, not all synthetic food colors are banned in the state. Some like tartrazine are allowed to a certain extent.

In sweets or bakery items, up to 100 parts per million (ppm) of synthetic color may be used, while in cold drinks or paan masala, the same limit may go up to 5,000 ppm. However, in hot foods like curry, its use is prohibited, Mr Purnachandra Rao said.

The official also urged parents not to buy cotton candy as they are made in unhygienic conditions.