Because of this, certain Indian governments have outlawed the sale of the pink, wispy, sugary-sweet confection.
The ban was put into effect by the southern state of Tamil Nadu last week after laboratory testing revealed that samples submitted for examination contained Rhodamine-B, a chemical known to cause cancer.
The sweet treat was outlawed earlier this month in the union territory of Puducherry, and samples have been tested in other states.
Known by children worldwide as cotton candy, it is also called buddi-ka-baal (old woman’s hair) in India due to its unique appearance.
It is a mainstay in fairs, amusement parks, and other kid-friendly entertainment venues because of its gooey, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
However, some Indian officials assert that the candy is not as harmless as it first appears.
The Indian Express newspaper was informed by P Satheesh Kumar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s food safety inspector, that the toxins in cotton candy “may cause cancer and damage all body organs.”
Last week, his group raided candy vendors at a city beach. According to Mr. Kumar, private vendors rather than authorized manufacturers make the candies that are marketed in the city.
A few days later, the government said that its sale would no longer be permitted due to the discovery of a chemical component called Rhodamine-B in the samples by laboratory testing. This chemical gives textiles, cosmetics, and inks a brilliant pink color.
