Unsafe foods
Photo: A H Arif / Driknews
Mixing of impure substances with foods was a much-talked-about topic in the recent past. During the month of Ramadan, it again gained momentum with the latest reports focusing on the new techniques of food adulteration. A few months ago the situation changed radically as the anti-adulteration drive was going on in full swing. Interestingly enough, the condition is now as it was in the past. What really has astonished me was the news of mixing of formalin with milk, urea with muri or puffed rice (a locally made food item) and carbide with different kinds of fruits. Moreover, the use of colour with different types of food is very rampant. Reports showed us how the fish traders are using poisonous formalin with fish to keep the fish fresh. It can be noted here that formalin being a toxic chemical material can easily enter the human cells and cause permanent damages to our body. However, each of the aforementioned chemicals can contribute much to cause various diseases like cancer. This is no better than slow poisoning. These ill practices simply raise questions as to what actually we are eating. Are the traders feeding us these toxic chemicals as bonus? As a citizen of the country we have the legitimate right to safe food. So why should we fall prey to the deceitful activities committed by some unscrupulous people? The reason behind the sudden slow down of the government's strong move to curb this crime has been mysterious. This 'not-too-strict' action has paved the dishonest traders' way to committing this crime freely. The food that we eat to survive and to preserve our health will cause damage due to being adulterated. In no way can these activities be allowed to go on. The government must monitor the situation and ensure the people's right to pure food. Exemplary punishment to the offenders must be meted out, so that they dare not do this again. Mass awareness about the bad effects of adulteration of food can play a vital role in this regard.
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