HIGH SUGAR, CALORIES IN PACKAGED DRINKS: STUDY

Why fruit juice isn’t better than cola

How many times have you settled for a packaged fruit drink instead of a fizzy cola for health reasons? Turns out that the fruit drink contains the same amounts of sugar and calories as the cola. 

Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences observed that high intake of fruit juices can lead to an increased risk of diabetes. The team pointed out that most packaged fruit juices had an energy density and sugar content similar to other sugary drinks and called for a more comprehensive labelling of fruit juice cartons. Researchers compared 250ml of a packaged fruit drink and a fizzy cola and found that while one serving of apple juice typically contained 110 kcal and 26g of sugar, a serving of cola contains 105 kcal and 26.5g of sugar. 

While similar studies have not been carried out in Chennai, diabetologists and nutritionists in the city agree that the observations are true in the case of packaged fruit drinks here. They could spell danger for diabetics and pre-diabetics. A study sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research found 62 million people across the country were diabetic, and 77 million were pre-diabetic. 

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, senior diabetologist at MV Diabetes Research Centre, said that many packaged juices increase the risk of diabetes if consumed in excess. “Each carton contains concentrated sugar and simple carbohydrates which when consumed, especially after a meal, makes the blood sugar peak. We advise diabetics never to drink fruit juices and go for the whole fruit instead,” he said. 

The 26g sugar in each serving of fruit juice means the person is taking five tablespoons of sugar, points out nutritionist Meenakshi Bajaj, Tamil Nadu Government Multi-Super Specialty Hospital. “Those who need instant energy can drink a lot of fruit juice, but diabetics should avoid it. Summer is here and people tend to gulp packaged fruit juice when they are thirsty,” she said. She added that consuming sugar-rich juice could lead to acute glucose toxicity which may result in damaging the liver, eyes and kidneys in the long run. 

Senior diabetologist Dr Anand Moses warned that packaged fruit juices also contained preservatives apart from added sugar. “It is always better to eat whole fruits and vegetables to absorb the goodness. Moreover, people should read the label of the juice packs so they can make an informed choice,” he said.

This non-veg burger may land McD in trouble

Wrong serve Police complaint after chicken burger served for a veg order; e-way joint may face case under Food Safety and Standard Act

Pune: A CEO of solar panel making company has filed a police complaint against a popular food joint McDonald’s alleging that the food joint staff gave him non-vegetarian burger despite ordering for a vegetarian burger.

On Saturday evening Gopal Kabra (33), a resident of Lake Town in Pune’s Bibwewadi area, was returning home from Mumbai along with his wife and nine-month old daughter by a car. On the way, they stopped for refreshments near Talegoan Dhabhade.

“Around 5 pm, we reached McDonald’s. Me and my wife being vegetarians, we ordered a paneer spicy burger along with a coffee. The cashier suggested we try the new burger which comes in a certain combo. We ordered two combo packs. The moment I took a bite of the burger, I realised something is wrong with it. I thought it was rotten paneer,” Kabra explained.

When he informed the cashier about the unusual taste, the cashier claimed that the food was hygienic. He then asked cashier to taste the same burger. He tasted it and said it was chicken. “Even after all this, instead of apologising the deputy manager of the joint said it was no big deal, and it was a small mistake. Other customers at the joint suggested I tell the police and teach them a lesson.”

Kabra approached Talegoan Dhabhade police station and gave a complaint. The seized burgers have been sent to the Pune Cantonment based Food testing laboratory.

Assistant police inspector Rajendra Patil of Talegaon Dhabhade police station said, “We have seized the burger and have carried out a panchanama of the spot. We have also sought legal opinion on this. The burger will be sent to Food Drug Administration (FDA), who will send it for testing. After the laboratory reports come, a case will be registered.”

Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (Food), FDA said, “The chemical analysis of the food ingredients and food microbiologist will give its opinion on the seized burger. If the report is positive then the food joint will face a case under Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. Under the same act, I have special powers where I can penalise the food joint and file a court case against them.”

Senior lawyer SK Jain said, “At present, police can register a case of cheating under Indian Penal Code where the punishment is maximum of seven years and a separate case can be registered under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. There are sections regarding unsafe food also under genetically modified foods, organic foods, functional foods and proprietary foods. One can also file a seperate plaint before the consumer forum under Consumer Protection Act.” The employees at the food joint in question refused to comment on this issue.

Quality test for food items soon

FSSAI is now concentrating only on safety, hygiene aspects 

Enforcement of safety and hygiene standard for food is to be a continuous process for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the next level will be to take up the qualitative improvement of food items available in the market, chairman of FSSAI K. Chandramouli has said.

‘‘At present, the FSSAI is only setting minimum standards for food and trying to make sure that the safety and hygiene standards are met scrupulously. We have not yet started talking about what constitutes healthy food or what should be the safe levels of various additives and preservatives that go into various food items. We will be addressing these issues for consumers once we have our full infrastructure and testing facilities in place,’’ Mr. Chandramouli said.

Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Chandramouli said that though the Food Safety and Standards Act was a consumer-driven law, many seemed to be finding it inconvenient and draconian.

‘‘Ever since the FSSAI came into being, there had been a plethora of complaints and some 150 court cases challenging its authority. The Act is such an extensive one that it covers all those who are involved in the food business, from multinationals right down to the street food vendor, While the same enforcement strategy will not work for all groups, we need to take everyone on board. Ultimately, every food business operator (FBO) is also a consumer,” he said.

After the Act was enforced, some 32-35 lakh licences had been issued to FBOs across India.

“Our primary task is to establish a good network of laboratories and testing facilities, without which, food safety cannot be ensured. The FSSAI has put up a proposal asking for an allocation of Rs.850 crore in the 12th Plan to this end. All States are facing the same problem of shortage of enforcement officials and the lack of adequate testing facilities, with the result that samples collected for checking are piling up and arbitrations are not going forward. But States can make use of the excellent Central lab facilities till they set up their own and the FSSAI will notify these labs to enable sample testing,’’ he said.

The FSSAI has set up nine scientific panels to go into various aspects of food safety, including additives, flavouring agents, neutraceuticals, and diabetic products. It is also in the process of evolving standards for various food items. At present, standards have been fixed for only 377 items under the Act.

Major challenge

“A major challenge is to evolve standards for high-end food and processed food, which will stand up to international scrutiny. We also need to evolve food safety standards and harmonise these with Codex and other international standards,” Mr. Chandramouli said.

Enforcement of safety standard to continue

FSSAI has set up nine scientific panels

Call to Explore 'Nutraceutical' Property of Indian Spices

Apart from traditional sectors, the ‘nutraceutical’ and medicinal properties of spices should be explored, said J S Deepak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He was delivering the inaugural address at the 12th World Spice Congress (WSC) 2014, here on Sunday. He said processed, packaged and branded spice products should be exported from the country more. 

“The government wants the next World Spice Congress to be held in a global platform wherein we will seek active participation from global spice associations from other spice producing countries like the Sri Lanka. India exports only 10 per cent of the total production of spices, yet we hold a business share of 45 per cent in the global spice market. This clearly indicates the magnitude of the opportunity and for this value added products are the key,” he said. While mentioning the importance of maintaining quality standards, Deepak said the private sector can play a role in this regard. 

“Once the harmonisation of global quality standards for spices and culinary herbs as envisaged by Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) becomes a reality, India has a better chance in the global market. This in turn is expected to facilitate international spice trade through better transparency. The government expects that this will come into effect soon,” he said. 

CCSCH was set up by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), the influential body that sets global food standards. Deepak further said spices are not only a business but it affects the livelihood of many people in the country. Hence the government is committed to extend its full hearted support to the sector. Spices Board chairman A Jayathilak said the World Spice Congress looks forward to threadbare deliberations setting up a momentum for action to raise food safety and maintain sustainability. 

“The congress will set up a forum for discussion on crops, markets and recent trends in this industry. The event will explore methods that can be implemented practically. The Spice Congress is an opportunity for the global community to come together,” he said. 

All India Spice Exporters’ Forum chairman Geemon K Korah spoke. Over 700 delegates from 40 countries are participating in the congress, which will conclude on February 19.