Contamination and Adulteration of food is heinous,we must not tolerate–Dr.Chopra
The recent revelation about a Uttar Pardesh (India) factory in Hathras, where many spices were being mixed with contaminants like donkey dung and inedible artificial colors is quite shocking and should make our heads hang in shame.
As a child two words, namely corruption and adulteration never bothered me. The reason being, I didn’t comprehend their meanings then. Today my eyes swell with tears and heart gets shredded when I learn about these two nefarious practices going unrestrained in my country.
The word ‘Adulteration’ has a deep meaning and has originated from Latin ‘ADULTERARE’ meaning corrupt or defile. Adulteration by adding inferior and cheap materials to increase the quantity of the product to be marketed and earn more profits is rampant. Contamination and adulteration make any edible unfit for human consumption as it plays havoc with our health system.
There is a distinct difference between contamination and adulteration. Contamination in food points out to the presence of harmful chemicals and organisms which can later become a health hazard and even cause FOOD POISONING.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in 2008 with an aim to place the scientific standards for food products, to regulate and standardize not only the manufacturing and storage but also distribution in the country, sale as well as import and export of food articles. When a food product doesn’t meet the norms set by FSSAI, it is considered as adulterated.
People have become highly materialistic the world over, today the greed is at its zenith and morality at its nadir. Becoming a millionaire overnight is the ambition of tens of thousands. To meet their goal such persons can stoop very low, kill their conscience and jeopardize health of others. Contamination and Adulteration of edible items must not be tolerated at any cost .
The list of food items adulterated in India is long. To name a few—cereals, pulses, flours, milk and its products, sweets, tea/coffee and spices. HONEY is not a new addition to the list but the recent startling revelation of adulterated honey being marketed by the top brands in the country is really shocking.
Since ages honey has been revered as a kitchen product, Ayurvedic medicine and a sacred trickle. This viscous product is full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. It is very useful for burns, wounds, ulcers and helps in the prevention of some infections. Quite soothing for the throat, it controls our waistline too. Texts reveal that not only it enhances fertility in both sexes but also has some anti-cancerous properties. According to ancient AYURVEDIC GRANTHS honey supports life, is beneficial for all age groups (more so for young) and most suitable for those who live in marshy lands rather than dry areas. It is wholesome and quite useful in winter. Due to its low glycemic index it can help in regulating serum glucose level in our body. SO, PURITY OF HONEY AVAILABLE AT THE SHELVES SHOULD BE VERY SERIOUSLY TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT AND OF COURSE BY FSSAI.
Adulteration should be taken as a heinous crime and it must mete out exemplary punishment by the custodians of law.
DR.SUNIL CHOPRA, LUDHIANA-INDIA
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