Bengaluru: City-based oncologist, Dr Vishal Rao who is also the member of the High Powered Committee for tobacco control in the State speaks to DC about the Indian paradox of food safety and why a lot of their patients may have maintained a healthy lifestyle and yet, end up succumbing to cancer.
What is the biggest dilemma in your field?
Patients ask me and the oncologists several times, "Why me?" and this question many a times becomes very difficult to answer. The truth is many are healthy people who do not smoke and lead healthy lifestyles. Cancer keeps you guessing. A lot of patients may have maintained a healthy lifestyle and yet, end up succumbing to cancer. It may not be just tobacco; we have tons of other carcinogens as well which have unfortunately entered our diet chart.
How many such cases of people leading healthy lifestyle does one see?
This number has increased. In breast Cancer for example 30%-40% cases are such where we cannot pinpoint anything as the cause.
Which are the three most important things which need a re-look?
Diet, environment and physical activity are the three most important things when it comes to health and disease.
Do you have to say something about the Maggi issue which is refusing to die down?
Actually, the Maggi trial that India witnessed recently opened a much needed debate on food safety and has exposed the tip of iceberg. Some of the reports on food exports from India show we rank among the top in agri-food rejects to USA and EU as per the UNIDO reports.
What do you have to say about the current status of food quality?
It would not be inappropriate to quote “Diet and nutrition are two different aspects of food”. Is the current state of food quality in India a matter of implausible conjecture. Pesticides, preservatives and wasted calories seem to be the trends of the new Indian recipes.
You mean to say there is no surety?
Yes, there is no surety about how safe the food is.
Could you elaborate about pesticides and preservatives?
I have heard that often export rejects from various countries look at India as a potential market. Thanks to poor consumer awareness. This is further compounded by extremely poor vigilance and enforcement by government agencies. Despite the ban made by UN, endosulfan is still being used in India.
Is it a growing concern?
Yes, pesticide residue in food is a growing concern. It is however, vital to consume healthy and nutritious food after washing them thoroughly.
What about preservatives?
As technology and research has advanced, we have moved to synthetic preservatives which help store and protect food from being spoilt for long periods (class 2 preservatives). They may protect the food but they’re definitely harming us.
What about the Food Safety Act?
Food Standard and Safety Act of India (FSSAI) is a comprehensive act. The paradox is the regulation and implementation of this act. We have hardly come across brands being
suspended owing to poor quality compliance. Most importantly, the consumer needs to wake up.
