Gujarat: CERC finds high bacterial content in non-branded ice creams

Your favourite scoop of non-branded ice cream may expose you to harmful bacteria, said a study by Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC). Accordingly, seventy per cent of the samples of non-branded ice creams had a Coliform count, much above the prescribed limit, an indication of possible faecal contamination and therefore unhealthy manufacturing practice. Fifty per cent of ice golas had synthetic colours, much beyond prescribed limits, said the study.

CERC tested 10 samples of non-branded ice cream and four of gola from different parts of Ahmedabad as per norms of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Seven out of ten ice cream samples had a very high Coliform count and two of four gola samples had synthetic food colours above the maximum limit. CERC suggested that manufacturers should obtain ingredients from licensed sources and store both ingredients and final product at proper temperatures. All equipment should be clean and hygienic practices be followed during preparation.

Non-branded ice cream is usually distributed manually in scoops, cones or sundaes. Children of vulnerable age groups, especially from poorer families form the bulk of its consumers and so it is vital that it is microbiologically safe, said a statement from CERC.

It also said that regulatory bodies should constantly monitor quality to ensure food processing standards are maintained at production, processing, packaging and storage stages. Moreover, food handlers need to be educated on the importance of good sanitary practices.

On the part of consumers, CERC suggested that consumers should buy ice cream from reputed shops only after checking the expiry date. They should store ice cream in the freezer after purchase. Never consume re-freeze ice cream. "Ice cream can pose a danger after purchase if it has melted and then been re-frozen. It can cause food poisoning.

Ice cream melts fairly rapidly at room temperature and the milky, the sugary, liquid concoction is a perfect petri dish for certain bacteria" said the statement.

The Impact

• Coliform bacteria can cause bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections and typhoid. 
• Overuse of synthetic food colour is linked to cancer, DNA damage and attention-deficit disorder and hyperactivity in children.