Hazardous edibles

While various state government throughout the country have been pulling up their respective departments responsible for consumer affairs, environment and food safety to name a few to prevent offences having serious consequences on the health and lives of people; the government of Nagaland appears to be least concerned. In most states where the departments involved in food and safety items are functioning, no food item can only be sold in the market before the contents are tested and approved or have the required certification from the central ministry. Food inspectors need to tighten up their act by involving the public by creating awareness on such issues. Public today are expected to be aware of many such issues- adulterants, colorants and chemicals that are found in most of the food items sold and consumed everyday. There are far too many unscrupulous traders who are selling highly adulterated food items. There are also many more who sell expired food items including medicines. These require to be constantly monitored. However, it is quite lamentable that the state authorities have not been able to come down heavily against most eating places that continue to flout the laws. Food safety that should include stringent inspections of kitchens and cooking items used in all restaurants and hotels. 

The recent launch of the ‘Food Safety On Wheels’ should play a very important role in exposing those involved with selling adulterated or harmful food products. Funded by the government of India and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the ‘Food Safety On Wheels’ could eventually prove to be the best safeguard against harmful items found in almost all food products; only if provided, it is utilised properly. Modern fast foods are among the most harmful contributors of various ailments. These fast food items contain no nutrients beneficial to the human body. In most cases, they are identified as a major cause of heart diseases including myocardial infraction, cardiac arrest and atherosclerosis. Even vegetables and lentils are found to contain harmful substances, some of which are poisonous. Vegetables and lentils are also laced with harmful pesticides and DDT which are ingrained within. Meat consumption has an annual import bill of around Rs. 250 crore to meet the demands of an overwhelming number of meat consumers especially those who relish pork. There is also widespread use of hormones and steroid for feeding pigs to achieve 40% more growth above normal by looking fatter, at the shortest time possible period. 

The danger to human health, especially in a demand-supply chain also involves everything that is consumed. Harmful substances can also be found in some of the vegetables and fruits which have high amount of harmful substances. Popular condiments have been found to be mixed with dyes and even other substances unfit for human consumption. Authorities responsible for checking food safety have much work to do after being dormant throughout the decades. What is needed is stricter implementation of various clauses concerning food items and conviction of the guilty. In India the adulteration of food in particular has reached a scandalous level that many countries routinely reject stuff made in the country. There is one-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh even in those cases in which food does not result in illness. It is a big challenge to rock the boat and shake the nefarious vice that has been feeding harmful food items to people.