Following the tumultuous uproar and negative publicity in many states of India due to the finding of higher levels of MSG and lead contents in Maggi’s 2-minutes noodles, the multinational manufacturer Nestle decided to stop its sale of this once-adored food item by millions and withdraw these noodles from stores across the country, destroying the myth and belief, that products from branded companies are both tasty and safe.
Now the question before us: are Maggi noodles the only ready-to-cook food product unsafe for consumption or are there many more that can pose grave health hazards? It is a fact that millions of Indians are exposed to various types of food items, both ready to cook or served regularly in various food outlets and at social functions. Thousands of street vendors as well as hordes of customers are ignorant that our water, edible ingredients and other raw materials used to prepare or cook these delicious dishes are severely contaminated. Of course they may not cause immediate illness but consumed regularly over a period of time tend to accumulate in our bodies, chemicals that are both metallic and non-metallic. They are perilously riskier and eventually leading to some serious even fatal consequences on account of gradual accumulation of toxic substances in our systems.
Now who is going to protect these teeming millions who are consciously or unconsciously exposed to such dangerous and life-threatening food items specially the children? Is it not the duty of government agencies such as FDA (Food and Drug Control Administration) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India) to be continuously vigilant and actively monitor, undertake regular inspections, conduct random testing and oversee that what is produced in the food factories, available in the shops’ shelves and cooked in public kitchens meet safety standards, is completely safe and fully fit for consumption? Are the officials of these public agencies and food inspectors doing their duties faithfully and honestly without falling prey to pressures, bribes and intimidation from manufacturers, restaurants owners and street vendors?
Is it not pertinent on the part of government to educate, warn and appraise them of dangers that could arise from such food items, through public campaigns, during school and college assemblies and creating awareness through non- governmental institutions?
It is a fact that on account of globalization, India is being invaded by so many multi-national and national companies engaged in producing food items. The responsibilities of both national and state governments have increased many folds and guarantying the safety of their citizens must be their top priority. It is important to remember that eternal vigilance on the food front is going to be price of our good health.
