According to research by the Deccan Herald, over 400 Indian food products are contaminated with cadmium, pesticides, and fungus.
What we eat shapes who we are. These pearls of wisdom frequently serve as our road map for eating healthily and living a balanced existence. However, the most recent news report about the adulteration of spices and foods with substances known to cause cancer has undoubtedly prompted questions about what is safe to eat.
Although many of us may be taken aback by this at first, the European Union (EU) had warned of this already. According to reports, the EU identified more than 400 Indian export-quality products as significantly polluted between 2019 and 2024.
According to research by Deccan Herald that includes a PDF list of 400 Indian food goods, 14 of the products have hazardous ingredients including mercury and cadmium in fish, and are known to harm different organs.
It claims that cadmium, a hazardous heavy metal that may be fatal if swallowed or inhaled, was present in up to 21 goods, including squid and octopus. It raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic renal disease. Buildup within the body can result in cardiovascular, respiratory, bone loss, and kidney damage. Long-term cadmium exposure can harm one’s general health and well-being and is linked to an increased risk of cancer, especially lung cancer.
Additionally, according to the analysis, at least 59 goods use chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Tricyclazole, a fungicide prohibited in the EU due to its carcinogenic and genotoxic effects, is one of the compounds present in rice, herbs, and spices. Aside from this, over 52 products—some of which have up to five pesticides or fungicides in them—contain multiple of these substances.
Adding to these worries, Dr. Haider, as reported by GreatGameIndia, highlighted the “Hidden Harms” of bioengineered foods, pointing out their potential toxicity, ability to trigger allergic reactions, and contribution to antibiotic resistance. These revelations underscore the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of the food supply chain to protect public health.
A hazardous byproduct of ethylene oxide called 2-chloroethanol was found in about 20 goods, according to the PDF study that Deccan Herald published. It stated, “Ochratoxin A, a banned mycotoxin, was found in 10 products, including chilies, coffee, and rice.”
According to the investigation, among 100 other goods, organic shatavari, ashwagandha, and sesame seeds were discovered to contain salmonella.
The study also notes the presence of aflatoxins, a deadly carcinogen, and mutagen that can result in cancer and liver damage, in groundnut kernels and nutcrackers.
According to the findings, rice flour also contains chlorpyrifos. The same studies show that imidacloprid and monocrotophos are present in moringa leaves and pods. For those who don’t know, monocrotophos is a kind of pesticide known as an organophosphate insecticide. It is well known that these pesticides are neurotoxins, which interfere with the function of neurons in the body.
Coriander seed powder has been discovered to contain Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide utilized primarily for controlling foliage and soil-borne insect pests. This chemical has been associated with negative health consequences including neurodevelopmental disorders in children, respiratory issues, and adverse effects on reproductive health. Prolonged exposure to Chlorpyrifos may result in significant long-term health complications, raising concerns and prompting calls for regulatory measures. Additionally, frozen raw peeled shrimp tails have been found to harbor Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium responsible for causing septicemia, severe wound infections, and gastroenteritis. It is emphasized that failure to recognize and treat this infection promptly can lead to high levels of morbidity and mortality.
