With the on-set of the summer season, the demand for ice cream, ice candy, and cool drinks increases. But, what if these treats are adulterated with detergent and become the cause of illness? Yes, you read it right. A similar incident took place in Karnataka. Scroll down to read the details.
As per reports, Karnataka’s local ice cream ice candy, and cool drink manufacturing units have been flagged by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) for selling substandard products under unhygienic conditions. It is reported that 97 out of 220 shops have been issued notices for failing to maintain proper storage conditions. And many have been found using detergent powder in creams to create a creamy texture, and phosphoric acid is being used in cool drinks to enhance fizz. For the unversed, phosphoric acid often leads to weakening of bones.
As per The New Indian Express report, a fine of Rs 38,000 has been imposed on the market player for following ill practices.
In several cases, manufacturers were using synthetic milk made from detergent, urea, or starch to cut costs. Instead of natural sugar, harmful additives like saccharin and non-permitted dyes were being used to enhance taste and colour.
It was also found that many manufacturers were using contaminated or non-potable water in ice candies and cool drinks or were adding flavouring agents in quantities far exceeding the permissible limits.
Side effects of consuming detergent powder
It is proven that detergent powder is not fit for human consumption. Any sort of ingestion can be extremely harmful and may cause severe health complications. It can lead to digestive issues including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The string alkaline and acidic ingredients in detergent can cause bruns in the throat, esophagus, and stomach.If inhaled while consuming, detergent can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. And as per experts, long-term exposure or high doses can stress the kidneys and liver, leading to potential organ damage.
What is Phosphoric Acid and its side effects
It is a colorless, odorless, and acidic chemical commonly used in food, industrial, and cleaning products. It is found in soft drinks (especially colas), fertilizers, detergents, and rust removers. Its excessive consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones and kidney disease, especially in people with pre-existing kidney conditions. And it can also lead to osteoporosis and tooth decay.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
