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Rhodamine B are banned in the food sector due to their carcinogenicity.
It is a synthetic dye known for its bright pink color.
It is commonly used in industries like textiles, paper, and leather for its properties.
It has fluorescent properties, which makes it useful in scientific research.
Its presence in consumable products like food is a serious concern due to health risks.
It has been linked to several health risks, particularly cancer.
Studies have shown that it can cause DNA damage, which can lead to mutations that could potentially trigger cancerous growths.
Animal research has shown tumors developing in organs like the liver and bladder after long exposure to the dye.
These risks are especially concerning for people consuming products with Rhodamine B regularly.
Many countries have taken strict actions to limit or ban the use of Rhodamine B in consumables.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. banned its use in food products, noting carcinogenic properties.
The European Union has classified it as a substance of very high concern, and is restricting its use in cosmetics.
The actions highlight the growing concern over the health risks associated with this synthetic dye.
In February 2024, Tamil Nadu banned cotton candy after tests indicated the presence of Rhodamine B. Other states like Karnataka, Puducherry, and Himachal Pradesh also implemented their own bans.
Health Specialists emphasizes that India's food safety ecosystem needs strengthening. They advocate for more independent research on food dyes like Rhodamine B, based on Indian dietary practices.
Experts call for proactive enforcement of food safety regulations by bodies like Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and better public education on food additives. There is a clear need for stricter testing and quicker responses to health crises related to food safety.
Governments should enforce strict regulations for food product inspections, industries should prioritize health over aesthetics, and consumers should stay informed and demand safer products.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about the Rhodamine B: 1. It is a synthetic dye derived from the xanthene dye class. 2. It is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. 3. It is commonly used as a pH indicator. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Rhodamine B is a synthetic, bright pink, organic dye belonging to the xanthene dye family, commonly used as a fluorescent tracer due to its high visibility and ability to emit bright red light when excited by green light; it finds applications in various fields including research, textiles, paper production, and as a tracer dye in water flow studies. Statement 2 is incorrect: Rhodamine B (RB) is inexpensive and highly water-soluble organic dyes, which are mainly used as colourants in the textile, plastic, and cosmetic industries. Because of their carcinogenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity to humans and animals, they are prohibited in the food field. Statement 3 is correct: Rhodamine B acts as a pH indicator because it exhibits a significant change in fluorescence intensity depending on the acidity of the solution, primarily due to its molecular structure which can exist in a non-fluorescent "closed" form (spirolactone) in basic conditions and a highly fluorescent "open" form when exposed to acidic conditions. |
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