The problem of food adulteration, which has existed since ages, refers to the intentional addition of adulterants including sand, stones, chalk powder, water, mineral oil, harmful chemicals and colours, etc. in different food items. Food adulteration includes physical, chemical, biological or microbiological and metallic contamination, which may be harmful for the health of the people.
The main reason behind food adulteration is economic gain for which the producers and even the sellers of different food products are playing with the life of people at the cost of their health leading to grave risks. There is adequate legislation in India to prevent food adulteration, but the problem persists and still needs to be curbed.
As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned the problem here is not less than any other place in the country because almost all kinds of food adulterations could be found here with unprincipled trader fraternity leaving no chance to ensure undue gain by indulging in such unethical trade practices.
All said and done, food adulteration continues to be a significant concern in the region, with alarming consequences for public health. Despite ongoing efforts by the concerned authorities, the issue persists, particularly in the sale of adulterated milk and its byproducts.
Milk is increasingly being found tainted with harmful substances. These adulterants, often chemicals or diluted contents, pose severe health risks, especially to children and the elderly. The practice of injecting chemicals into fruits and vegetables to enhance their appearance or prolong shelf life is also troubling. These chemicals, which can include hazardous substances like calcium carbide or formalin, are toxic and have been linked to various health issues, including food poisoning, digestive problems, and even cancer. As the government's response to these illegal activities has been inadequate, there is a pressing need for authorities to come out of deep slumber and take stringent action against those responsible for food adulteration. The current approach, characterized by sporadic inspections and occasional fines, is insufficient. Besides, public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating consumers about the dangers of adulterated food. Consumers need to be informed about how to identify potentially tainted products and must be encouraged to report suspicious activities. Collaboration between government bodies, consumer rights organizations, and the general public can create a more vigilant community that is resistant to the exploitation by dishonest traders.
