Adulteration of foods

Photo: STAR

Mixing impure substances with foods was a much-talked-about topic in the recent past. It again has gained momentum with the latest reports on the new techniques of food adulteration. A few months ago the nature of this malpractice changed radically as the anti-adulteration drive was going on in full swing. Interestingly enough, the situation is now as it was in the past.
What really has astonished me was the news of mixing up 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 it fresh. It can be noted here that formalin being a toxic chemical material can easily enter the human cells and cause permanent damage to our body. Each of the aforementioned chemicals can contribute much to cause various deadly diseases like cancer. This is no better than slow poisoning!
These ill motivated practices simply raise the question as to what actually we are eating. Are the traders feeding us these toxic chemicals as bonus? As citizens 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 drive to curb this crime is mysterious.
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 given so that they dare not do this again. Mass awareness about the bad effects of contamination of food can play a vital role in this regard.