World Food Safety Day Special: Foods Banned in India Due to Cancer Risks

The relationship between diet and cancer is a topic of immense research and growing concern. Certain food and food additives have been identified as potential carcinogens, substances that can lead to cancer. Consumption of such items can introduce harmful chemicals such as acrylamide, aflatoxins and certain artificial additives into the body. These harmful chemicals can cause mutations in DNA, promote the growth of cancer cells and increase the risk of developing various types of cancer. Understanding and alleviating these risks is crucial for public health, making the role of regulatory bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) indispensable.

World Food Safety Day

Celebrated on June 7th every year, World Food Safety Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 and first observed in 2019.  The aim of this day is to draw attention to food derived risks and take action to prevent, detect and manage these risks. Ensuring food safety is very important as it directly affects our health, agriculture, economic prosperity, sustainable development and market access. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the threat of unsafe food that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemical substances that can cause over 200 diseases starting from diarrhea to chronic disease like cancer. Hence, food safety is crucial for global health security and well being.

Foods Banned by FSSAI in India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays an important role in supervising and regulating food safety across the nation. To ensure public health, FSSAI has banned multiple foods and food practices that increase the risk of major health issues including cancer. Here are some key items and practices prohibited in India:

Chinese Dairy Products

In the year 2008 dairy products from China were found to be compromised with a chemical named melamine, which is used in plastics and fertilizers. Melamine contamination can lead to kidney stones and renal failure, and it can also increase cancer risk. FSSAI made sure to continue this ban on these Chinese dairy imports  to ensure consumers safety from these life threatening effects.

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Artificial Ripening of Fruits

The use of chemicals like calcium carbide for the purpose of artificial ripening of fruits is prohibited in India. Ripening fruits like mangoes, bananas and papayas with calcium carbide is very dangerous. As during this process acetylene gas is released, which is similar to ethylene in its ripening effect. However, calcium carbide also contains traces of phosphorus and arsenic, which can lead to cancer and other health issues. FSSAI mandates the use of ethylene gas as a natural and safer alternative for ripening fruits.

Energy Drinks with Excessive Caffeine

FSSAI has set limits on the caffeine content in energy drinks. High caffeine levels can lead to detrimental health effects such as cardiovascular issues, insomnia and an increased risk of cancer due to the chances of DNA damage from excessive consumption. Brands that exceed the permissible caffeine limit are prohibited from sale in India.

Food with High Levels of Trans Fats

FSSAI has taken required steps to reduce trans fats in food products, targeting a maximum limit of 2% trans fats in fats and oils by 2022. Trans Fats commonly found in partially hydrogenated oils used in baked and fried goods, are associated with a rising risk of heart diseases, diabetes and even cancer. The ban on high trans fats content is an important move to promote healthier eating habits and minimize cancer risks.

Tobacco and Areca Nut (Gutkha and Pan Masala)

 Several states in India have banned Pan Masala, Gutkha and similar products which contain tobacco and areca nuts. These products are major risk factors for oral cancer. FSSAI supports these bans to decrease the consumption of carcinogenic substances that majorly contribute to the ubiquity of cancer in the country.

World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder of the importance of safe and healthy food practices and the need for rigorous regulatory measures to ensure public health. Bans imposed by FSSAI on certain foods and food practices highlights the dedication to reduce cancer risks and ensuring the safety of food consumed in the nation by millions. By staying informed and abiding by these regulations, we can work together for a healthier and safer food environment.

For more detailed information, refer to resources from the FSSAI website, one can also file a RTI (Right to Information act) to know about such things. Remember one thing, these guidelines and bans are not only crucial for individual health but also for the wider objective of public health and safety in India.