Food companies all over the world are caught up in a rat race constantly finding ways to popularise their products and reach global expectations. By analysing human psychology, companies use strategies to attract people especially young children. From creating hyper-realistic and appetizing advertisements to actually adding unknown chemicals in food products, the tricks range to the size of the sea.
Food adulteration can be defined as addition of certain products that are not mentioned in the packaging which can be hazardous for human life in the long run if taken on a long basis. It could also be referred to the removal of few important components of the food item. We all know that intake of excessive chemicals can cause severe problems within our system and hence it is important to stay aware and buy authentic products. Every year, millions of people face trouble because of this adulteration like diahhera, nausea, allergies etc. According to human tendencies, we tend to opt for food items that seem more colourful,attractive and more in quantity.
In my hometown back in India, a new milk vendor arrived to my town and the milk he sold was very thin in texture and it could be easily differentiated from the milk we bought usually. It was then I realised that it was also another type of food adulteration where excess water is added to milk to increase the volume and in turn earn higher profits. But then , was it just that the consumers were scammed? Because of this, essential nutrients in the milk would be lost as well.
Some major products that are adultered are chilly powder which is often formed artificially by mixing brick powder and saw dust, jaggery by mixing washing soda and chalk powder and fruits and vegetables are at times covered with waxy coats made up of substances like copper sulphate in order to attract buyers. Consuming these products on a regular basis are tend to cause allergies, stomach and liver problems.
As consumers, we have all rights to consume original and chemical-free food products. Here are a few ways through which consumers can stay vigilant and away from food adulteration.
1. It is extremely crucial to analyse the "ingredients" column
before buying packed products.
2.Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed so that the intake of chemicals associated with their skins is reduced. Additionally, it is best if their skins are removed before eating.
3.Follow the "expiry/use before" dates and special storage instructions carefully.