Context:
Recent research has shown that Rhodamine B can induce DNA damage, which may result in mutations and potentially lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Rhodamine B
- Synthetic dye used in textiles, paper, and leather industries.
- Illegally used in food products, posing severe health risks.
- Water-soluble compound: green in powder form, bright fluorescent pink when dissolved in water.
- Applications of Rhodamine B:
- Industrial Applications: Widely used in textiles, inks, ink formulations, cosmetics, and food coloring.
- Fluorescence Microscopy: Valued for fluorescent properties, enabling precise visualization of cellular structures and molecular interactions in laboratories.
Effects of Rhodamine B on Humans
- Oxidative Stress: Causes oxidative stress, cell injury, and increased apoptosis.
- DNA Damage: Linked to DNA damage, mutations, and potential cancerous growths.
- Tumor Development: Prolonged exposure can lead to tumor development in organs like the liver and bladder.
- Cerebellum Tissue Damage: Regular consumption harms cerebellum tissue, impairing motor function and causing brainstem abnormalities.
Regulations of Rhodamine B
- FSSAI Regulations: Rhodamine B is banned in food products in India, punishable under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
- Recent Actions: In 2024, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and Himachal Pradesh implemented bans and strict measures to prevent its use in food products.
- United States:
- The FDA has classified Rhodamine B as unsafe for food and banned its use.
- In January 2025, the FDA issued a stricter ban due to increasing evidence of its carcinogenic properties.
- European Union: Classified Rhodamine B as a substance of very high concern and banned its use in cosmetics due to carcinogenic and skin sensitization risks.
Permitted Coloring Agents in India
- Regulations: As per FSSAI’s Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulation, 2011, only permitted synthetic coloring agents can be used.
- Permitted Colors:
- Red: Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine, Erythrosine
- Yellow: Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow FCF
- Blue: Indigo Carmine, Brilliant Blue FCF
- Green: Fast Green FCF
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Consider the following pairs:
Commonly used/consumed materials: Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them
1. Lipstick — Lead
2. Soft Drinks — Brominated vegetable oils
3. Chinese fast food — Monosodium glutamate
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
