Karnataka is banning the use of artificial colors in cotton candy manufacturing as per the “Official Reminder” notification issued by the commissioner of FSSAI, Karnataka on 11th of March 2024. The issue of using banned colors like Rodamine-B was reported in the Deccan Herald article published on 28th of February. While the notification does not ban the products, this has been mis-reported by news houses as ban on the sale of cotton candy and gobi-manchurian. As a matter of fact there is no new restrictions put by the FSSAI. It is a “reminder” that use of carcinogenic colours which are banned by FSSAI is an punishable offense.

The notification clarifies that as per the Food Safety and Standards Act- 2006 Section 59 of the Food Safety and Quality Act- 2006, where cases of violations are found, they may be subject to imprisonment for a term ranging from 7 years to life time and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakhs. Cases can be filed in court for the same.

The actual notification follows. The english translation of the notification can be found here.