World Food Safety Day Health experts sound alarm on artificial ripening of fruits, vegetables

Srinagar, June 7: On World Food Safety Day, health experts have raised alarm about severe implications of food adulteration, which encompasses practices like artificially ripening fruits and vegetables and adding colors to spices.

This issue is becoming a significant challenge for consumers and regulatory bodies alike.

Medical professionals highlight that the increasing incidence of health issues among children and young adults is now linked to the consumption of fast and adulterated foods.

Dr Sharik Masoodi, a leading endocrinologist told Greater Kashmir that consuming such food is causing a rise in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

“The risk is particularly high for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible,” Dr. Masoodi said.

He said that food adulteration can lead to serious health complications, from foodborne illnesses like diarrhea and vomiting to chronic conditions like kidney damage and even cancer.

Dr Masoodi also mentioned the danger of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are present in pesticides, plastics, and personal care products.

“These chemicals can have profound long-term health impacts. Developing countries might be especially vulnerable to EDC exposure due to less stringent chemical regulations, heavy reliance on agriculture, and rapid industrialization, leading to environmental contamination,” he said.

To combat these risks, Dr. Masoodi said that adopting a fresh, organic diet, opting for grass-fed meat and dairy, and choosing EDC-free personal care products.

“Swapping harsh cleaners for natural alternatives, minimising plastic use in food storage, and opting for low-VOC furniture can significantly reduce EDC exposure, even if complete elimination is unrealistic,” he said.

The Food Safety Department has intensified its efforts, collecting at least 1,700 food samples for testing and conducting 1,200 inspections in Srinagar alone. “We have imposed fines under Section 69, totalling Rs 350,000, and seized perishable items worth Rs 80,000,” reported Yamin ul Nabi, Assistant Food Commissioner.

It is worth mentioning that 600 million cases of food-borne illnesses are recorded every year, making unsafe food a major threat to human health and economies worldwide.