A drop of this, pinch of that TO TEST TAINTED FOOD

Adulterated Products Can Cause Stomach, Kidney Ailments

Aman added a drop of a yellow liquid into a jar of milk. The pure white liquid turned blue. It wasn’t a trick at a magic show but a demonstration at the adulterated food testing counter at the Youth Health Mela at Valluvar Kottam. 

The exhibition, organised by Adyar Cancer Institute, aims to educate people about noncommunicable diseases and ways to prevent them. As part of the event, MBA students of Hindustan University have a stall where they demonstrate simple tests to determine whether a food item is adulterated. 

Food products, ranging from milk and vegetables to ice cream, are adulterated, say health experts. “In order to add colour, texture and bulk to food products, manufacturers mix all kinds of additives, most of which cause severe illnesses,” said Saravana Kumar, a professor at the university, who is in charge of the stall. “We can scrub our vessels squeaky clean, wash the veggies several times and sanitize our hands repeatedly but the food we consume continues to be unsafe.” 

To prove his point, Kumar dissolved some jaggery bought from a grocer in water and added a drop of cleaning acid. Immediately, it precipitates and rises. “Detergent is mixed with jaggery to provide bulk. This could cause serious stomach disorders,” he said. 

Doctors say adulterated food is a menace but cannot be curtailed as people are dependent on packaged food products sold in stores. “Additives, artificial colours and products that enhance texture and flavour will cause damage to the body in the long run. If a person is suffering from a heart or kidney ailment, it will 

exacerbate the problem,” said Dr. N Kathiresan from Cancer Institute. “From increased blood pressure to cancer, a range of health problems can be traced to adulterated food,” he said. 

Even vegetables contain harmful chemicals in excess of the permissible limits prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, he said and suggested that people go organic. 

“People should have gardens at home and grow their own vegetables. It can not only be a relaxing hobby but also save time and money and ensure good health,” he said.