What is Rhodamine B: A synthetic dye used in textiles, paper, leather, and scientific research due to its fluorescent properties.
Relevance : GS 2(Health)
Health Risks:
- Studies indicate Rhodamine B can cause DNA damage, leading to mutations and potential cancerous growths.
- Animal studies have shown tumors in organs like the liver and bladder following prolonged exposure.
Global Concerns:
- United States: FDA has long banned Rhodamine B in food products, reinforcing the ban in January 2025 due to carcinogenic risks, particularly in candies and baked goods.
- European Union: Classified as a substance of very high concern, restricting its use in cosmetics and consumer goods.
Indian Perspective:
- Tamil Nadu: Banned cotton candy production and sale after detecting Rhodamine B in samples (February 2024). The ban is aimed at public health and ensuring safe, colour-free cotton candy.
- Karnataka: Prohibited Rhodamine B in street foods like “Gobi Manchurian” and cotton candy (March 2024). Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment.
- Puducherry & Himachal Pradesh: Followed Tamil Nadu’s lead with similar bans on cotton candy.
Expert Opinions:
- Mohammed Mithi (Oncologist): Synthetic dyes, including Rhodamine B, may pose carcinogenic risks due to their chemical components and DNA damage in animal models. Long-term exposure remains a concern, particularly for vulnerable groups (children, elderly, immunocompromised).
- Abyramy Balasundaram (Dermatologist): Synthetic dyes may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, but long-term exposure could lead to chronic skin issues. Rhodamine B was banned in cosmetics in the EU in the 1990s due to potential carcinogenic effects.
India’s Food Safety Ecosystem:
- Priyadarshini Chidambaram (Health Specialist): India’s research on food dye safety is weak. There is a need for proactive studies on synthetic dyes, with collaborations between FSSAI and academic institutions to align with global standards. Public education and strict enforcement are essential to combat the health risks posed by harmful additives.
