An expose of how unsafe the food you are buying may be.
Health safety is everyone’s key concern. However, the increasing demand for food and the high cost of inputs have led to an eruption of unethical activities by corrupt traders and farmers to make more profits at the expense of consumers’ health. The use of chemicals in excess amounts has made food unsafe for many. From milk adulteration in meat to high chemical residues in vegetables, it is hard to know what is safe.
Excess use of hydrogen peroxide in milk preservation
Image Laboratuvar
Hydrogen Peroxide Analysis (in Milk)
Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a milk preservative worldwide. It activates the inherent lacto peroxide enzyme system to improve the quality of raw dairy products in areas where cooling is not widely available.
Even though it is not illegal to use hydrogen peroxide in milk preservation, corrupt milk traders use large amounts of above-recommended levels to preserve milk, which poses health risks to consumers. Ingesting a large amount of higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide can cause ulcers, perforated gut, mouth, throat, and stomach problems, fainting, and even death. Next time you buy milk, ask yourself, is it safe?
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Agro-chemical residues in fruits and vegetables
The increasing population has called for a high demand for food. This high demand is worsened by adverse climate change; pests and diseases are becoming more resilient, calling for more chemicals to prevent losses.
However, a lack of observing the correct post-harvest intervals means high residues are left on harvested crops, which are later consumed as food. Shockingly, some farmers are spraying their crops on the eve of harvesting with fungicides “perceived” to increase shelf life. They do this because it is what traders want.
It is similar to the case of livestock farmers who do not observe the antibiotics’ withdrawal period after application.
The antibiotics made up of heavy metals find their way into consumers’ bodies, leading to health problems like cancer of the kidney and the like.
Dirty cleaning water
According to Kenya’s Bureau of Standard Bottled Water Requirements, water bottle companies should ensure that raw water tanks are always secure and clean, which is not the case for many. Water is sourced from dirty rivers, filtered, and refilled to customers. This behaviour explains the increased amoeba cases in Kenya.
Always insist on checking the raw water storage tank before refilling.
