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Rhodamine B
Context:
The issue of Rhodamine B use in consumable products highlights a critical public health concern and a need for robust regulatory measures.
What is Rhodamine B?
- Rhodamine-B is a fluorescent dye primarily used in the textile, leather, and cosmetic industries to produce brilliant pinks, greens, and blues. It is also fluorescent and used in scientific research.
- The dye is low-cost, which makes it a popular choice in food colouring.
- It has been illegally used as a food colouring agent in products like cotton candy, sweets, manchurian dishes, pakodas, and Chinese food sauces to make the items look more appealing, especially to children.
- The dye is classified as unsafe for human consumption, with serious concerns about its carcinogenic properties and its impact on public health. Children and vulnerable individuals are more at risk due to their reduced ability to metabolise harmful substances.
Health Risks
- Allergic reactions: Rhodamine-B can cause irritation in the lips, tongue, and eyes, as well as upper respiratory issues such as allergies.
- Toxicity: Long-term consumption can lead to cell death and damage to vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and brain tissues, including the cerebellum and brainstem.
- Carcinogenic potential: Evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to Rhodamine-B may increase the risk of stomach cancer and other tumours, making it a carcinogen.
- Health complications: Issues like gastric burning, irritation, and acidity can be managed with treatment, but the long-term effects, particularly the cancer risk, are of serious concern.
Global Actions Against Rhodamine B
- United States: The FDA has long prohibited its use in food products and issued a further ban in January 2025 due to rising concerns, particularly regarding children’s exposure to processed foods like candies and baked goods.
- European Union: The EU has classified Rhodamine B as a substance of very high concern, restricting its use in cosmetics and other consumer goods due to its potential health risks.
Rhodamine B in India
- Tamil Nadu: In February 2024, Tamil Nadu banned cotton candy production and sale after Rhodamine B was detected in samples, citing violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
- Karnataka: In March 2024, Karnataka followed suit by banning the use of Rhodamine B in street foods like Gobi Manchurian and cotton candy, enforcing penalties including up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of ₹10 lakh for violators.
- Puducherry and Himachal Pradesh: Both regions imposed similar bans on cotton candy containing Rhodamine B in 2024 to protect consumers from the dye’s harmful effects.
India’s Food Safety Concerns
- Weak Research Infrastructure: Lack of independent research on food dyes’ impact on public health, especially considering Indian dietary practices. Need for collaboration between FSSAI and academic/research institutions.
- Knowledge Gaps: Limited public awareness of food standards and safety. Urgent need for education campaigns, leveraging digital and social media to inform consumers about harmful additives and the importance of food label scrutiny.
- FSSAI’s Role: Experts stress the need for proactive measures, rather than reactive bans, including Routine testing for harmful dyes, and Strict enforcement against violations by both major manufacturers and small vendors
Regulations on Food Colouring in India
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that only permitted synthetic food colours should be added to food. The list of approved colours includes:
- Red: Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine, Erythrosine
- Yellow: Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF
- Blue: Indigo Carmine, Brilliant Blue FCF
- Green: Fast Green FCF
- Rhodamine B is not approved for use in food under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011.
Moving Forward
- Policy and Regulation: Develop a rapid response mechanism to address emerging food safety concerns. Align Indian regulations with global best practices to protect consumers.
- Community Engagement: Promote awareness of safe food additives through campaigns. Engage local self-help groups, NGOs, and influencers to educate vulnerable communities.
Industry Accountability: Encourage food manufacturers to prioritise safety over aesthetics. Introduce incentives for adherence to safety standards.
