Hyderabad: The use of adulterated ingredients reduces their antioxidant properties and results in negative effects. Adulterated turmeric powder loses its natural antioxidant properties, while others lose their natural taste, thereby contaminating the food. Experts say adulteration of food causes several heath problems.
Some of the health hazards include stomach ache, body ache, anemia, abortion, paralysis, and increase in the incidence of tumours, pathological lesions in vital organs, abnormalities of skin and eyes.
“If the food is adulterated, it first affects our digestive system and then it leads to disorders. This is the main cause for the increase in abdomen, stomach and colon cancer cases. With the increase of adulterated foods, children are losing their immunity and their neurological system is affected. They become hyperactive and are prone to imbalanced hormonal changes,” said nutritionist Dr Sujatha Stephen.
People fall prey to food adulteration, mainly because they go for new brands which come at lower prices or with offers. People should understand that if any new product is sold at a lower price, there are chances of adulteration.
When there are chances of branded articles getting adulterated, experts, say that people should be conscious and not get wooed by these offers.
Unlike upcoming firms, products from established firms are less likely to be adulterated, because they maintain certain standards and their prices are comparatively high.
“People should check if the product is certified by FSSAI. Many products in the market are without this certification. They should be conscious and verify the nutritions and go for established brands,” said a professor from Kasturba Gandhi Medical College.
