We are what we eat. These words of wisdom are often the guiding force for us to eat well and lead a healthy lifestyle. But, the recent news update on adulteration of foods and spices with cancer-causing agents have surely raised eyebrows and concerns over what is safe to eat?
While this might be a sudden shock for many of us, the European Union (EU) had flagged this way in advance. As per reports, over 400 export quality products from India were flagged by the EU between 2019 and 2024 to be highly contaminated.
The report published with a PDF list of 400 Indian food products by Deccan Herald states that 14 of the products are known to damage various organs and use dangerous elements like mercury and cadmium in fish among other products.
Also Read: These countries have banned the sale of cancer-causing MDH and Everest masalas
It says that as many as 21 products including octopus and squid had cadmium, which is a toxic heavy metal, and poses serious health risks when ingested or inhaled. It increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease. Accumulation in the body can lead to kidney damage, bone loss, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to cadmium is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly lung cancer, and can impair overall health and well-being.
The report also states that at least 59 products contain pesticides that are deemed carcinogenic. Among chemicals found in rice, herbs and spices are tricyclazole, a fungicide banned in the EU for its carcinogenic and genotoxic properties. Apart from this, over 52 products contain more than one pesticide or fungicide, some with as many as five in them.
The PDF report shared by Deccan Herald report also states that around 20 products had 2-chloroethanol, a toxic byproduct of ethylene oxide. “Ochratoxin A, a banned mycotoxin, was found in 10 products, including chillies, coffee and rice,” it said.
The report also states that salmonella was found in organic shatavari, ashwagandha and sesame seeds among 100 other products.
Also Read: 15 tonnes of fake masala made with wood dust, chemicals, and rotten rice seized
It is also mentioned in the report, that groundnut kernels and nut crackers contain aflatoxins, a poisonous carcinogen and mutagen that can cause liver damage and cancer.
The report also states that rice flour contains Chlorpyrifos. As per the same data, moringa leaves and pods are found to have monocrotophos and imidacloprid. For the unversed, monocrotophos is an organophosphate insecticide, which is a type of pesticide. These kinds of pesticides are known to be neurotoxins, which affect the work of neurons in the body.
Coriander seeds powder is found to have Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide, acaricide and miticide used primarily to control foliage and soil-borne insect pests. It has been linked to detrimental health effects such as neurodevelopmental disorders in children, respiratory issues, and adverse impacts on reproductive health. Chronic exposure may lead to long-term health complications, prompting concerns and calls for regulatory action. Frozen raw peeled shrimp tails are found with Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that causes septicemia, severe wound infections, and gastroenteritis. And it is said that failure to recognize and treat this infection promptly leads to high morbidity and mortality. Shrimps are found to have Nitrofurans, a class of drugs typically used as antibiotics or antimicrobials. The defining structural component is a furan ring with a nitro group. In dry plums, traces of sulphur dioxide has been found, which is a gaseous air pollutant composed of sulfur and oxygen. For the uninitiated, SO2 forms when sulfur-containing fuel such as coal, petroleum oil, or diesel is burned. Sugar is often adulterated with urea. For the uninitiated, urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound, which is colorless, odorless solid, highly soluble in water, and practically non-toxic. It is widely used in fertilizers as a source of nitrogen and is an important raw material for the chemical industry. Packaged rice is found to have traces of tricyclazole, a systemic fungicide, absorbed rapidly by the roots, with translocation through plant. As per experts, its consumption can have adverse effects and lead to decreased body weight gai and increased organ weights and other issues related to liver. In packaged Aloo Matar, Ethyleen oxide is found. Ethylene oxide is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor. It is used primarily to produce other chemicals, including antifreeze. In smaller amounts, ethylene oxide is used as a pesticide and a sterilizing agent. Exposure to ethylene oxide can have several harmful side effects, including respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term exposure is more severe, potentially leading to neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Its classification as a human carcinogen underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to this chemical.
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