The Tamil Nadu government recently imposed a ban on the sale and production of cotton candy within the state.
Reason for Ban
The ban was prompted by the discovery of the chemical Rhodamine-B in cotton candy samples.
Health Hazards
Rhodamine-B is known to be harmful to health and has been categorized as a ‘cancer-causing’ agent.
Government Action
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian emphasized that the presence of Rhodamine-B in food items violates the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006.
Enforcement Measures
Officials from the food safety department have been instructed to take stringent action against those found violating the ban.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What prompted the Tamil Nadu government to ban the sale and production of cotton candy?
- A) Presence of toxic chemicals
- B) High sugar content
- C) Economic concerns
- D) Consumer complaints
- Answer: A) Presence of toxic chemicals
- What chemical compound was found in the cotton candy, leading to the ban?
- A) Sucrose
- B) Rhodamine-B
- C) Aspartame
- D) Citric Acid
- Answer: B) Rhodamine-B
- According to the Tamil Nadu Health Minister, why is the presence of Rhodamine-B in food items concerning?
- A) It causes allergies
- B) It leads to obesity
- C) It violates food safety standards
- D) It enhances food flavor
- Answer: C) It violates food safety standards
- What action has been directed towards violators of the ban on cotton candy?
- A) Issuance of warnings
- B) Financial penalties
- C) Strict legal action
- D) Community service
- Answer: C) Strict legal action
- What health risks are associated with the consumption of Rhodamine-B mixed with food products?
- A) Diabetes
- B) Cancer and tumor development
- C) Heart disease
- D) Osteoporosis
- Answer: B) Cancer and tumor development