President Abdul Hamid on Sunday urged all to stand against the dishonest business people engaged in food adulteration.  When the president of the republic has to make such a call the seriousness of the issue becomes quite clear. Food adulteration is a major cause for the declining health of our people. Whether it is the use of chemicals in crops, vegetables and milk, or substandard drinking water, adulteration in meat, food additives, artificial flavours and sweeteners, substandard salt, or the excessive use of carbonated and energy drinks, all have played havoc. The more people consume these products, the more are the chances of getting diseases like cancer, asthma, ulcer, etc. The adulterated substitutes being used by the shopkeepers are cheap and easily available but detrimental to health. The prices of pure food are high. The shopkeepers adulterate various food items and sell them at cheaper rates and in greater quantities to earn more money. Poor processing and storage of milk, cereal grains, and nuts are a major cause of aflatoxin contamination and mold proliferation. Numerous studies manifest a multitude of foods to be contaminated with heavy metals. Escalating population growth limits the economic potential of the individual and the state through a tendency among the traders and manufacturers to intentionally debase food commodities offered for sale to make profit at the cost of their quality and safety.

Nowadays, foods are often adulterated in hotels and restaurants. Rotten foods are mixed with fresh food and served to the customers. Fish and vegetables are adulterated by putting on them chemicals and other preservatives in order to make them look fresh and to preserve for long time. Bakery and confectionery products are also prepared by using toxic substances. Junk food contains harmful chemicals. Even fruits, milk and beverages are also adulterated. Urea is mixed to make puffed rice more white and large. They also use artificial colours in juices and soft drinks

Unless the state imposes strict health safety and dietary regulations, and brings to justice those who are responsible for this crime, it seems that the health scenario will never improve. The authorities concerned must work hard, with zero tolerance for those involved in food adulteration. Parents and teachers must ensure healthy dietary practices for children. The people involved in this malpractice should be punished heavily. The government should take immediate actions against this evil.