A survey was conducted in northern Kerala which reported excessive use of synthetic colours in sugar-based confections, which may have serious health risks, especially for children. Two non-permitted colours, Amarnath and Rhodamine were found to be used in the survey. 97% of the 14 samples collected contained permitted food colouring while the remaining 3% contained a combination of non-permitted and permitted colouring. This survey underlines the need for strict food safety regulations.