Recent events have prompted us to reconsider our food choices, as several restaurants and bakeries in Hyderabad came under scrutiny for violating food safety laws. The Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana, discovered that these establishments were selling expired food items with improper labelling, raising serious concerns about food safety. Consuming expired or unhygienic food poses significant health risks, including foodborne illnesses and poisoning.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, leading to over 200 diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. Here are some of the risks associated with consuming unhygienic and expired food-
- Foodborne Illnesses And PoisoningEating expired or unhygienic food increases the risks of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites in the body. Bacteria and viruses such as Salmonella, Norovirus, Vibrio cholerae, etc. cause certain foodborne infections that lead to symptoms like nausea, excessive vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and abdominal pain. Not only this, unhygienic food preparation practices like not washing hands properly or storing food in untidy places result in severe gastronomical issues.
- Weak Immune SystemRegular consumption of unhygienic or expired food weakens the immune system over time, making individuals prone to infections and illnesses. To keep your immune system healthy, it is advised to ensure the usage of fresh food items.
- Digestive IssuesThe natural bacteria in our digestive system break down food efficiently. However, this disrupts the digestive process if one constantly consumes unhealthy food. Certain digestive problems related to unhealthy eating are bloating, acidity, gas and abdominal pain.
- Long-Term Health IssuesEating contaminated or low-quality food impacts our health in the long run with issues like obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Focus on eating fresh, nutritious foods and following food safety rules carefully to promote healthy living.
- ToxicityExpired foods contain mycotoxins which are harmful to human health. These toxins trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues and other health complications. One should always check for the expiration dates written on the food packages before consuming them to avoid any potential adverse health effects.
To prevent these risks, it is essential to follow proper food safety and hygiene practices. This includes storing food at the right temperatures, keeping food preparation areas clean and checking for expiration dates.
