Report

A shocking video has gone viral, revealing serious food safety issues in Himachal Pradesh. RJ Neha Sharma shared her discovery on social media after soaking black lentils overnight. To her surprise, the water turned black, and the lentils beneath their dark coating revealed a green hue, suggesting adulteration.

Black Lentils Turn Green Overnight

In the video posted on Sharma’s Instagram, the lentils, soaked in a cooker, leached artificial black dye into the water. Sharma, who bought the lentils from a government ration depot, tagged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in her post, urging attention to the compromised quality of the lentils being sold in the state. “If you’re from Himachal, this video is for you. Something is wrong with this ‘Kali Dal’,” she remarked, highlighting the issue. Sharma referred to the adulterated lentils as “cancer wali dal,” hinting at the potential health risks linked to harmful dyes used in the food. These dyes are often carcinogenic and banned for food use due to their association with cancer and other serious health issues.

Food Adulteration in Himachal Pradesh

This incident is not an isolated case. Earlier this year, Himachal Pradesh authorities recalled adulterated mustard and soybean oil in Solan, declaring them unsafe for consumption. In August, the state also established food forensic units to combat such fraudulent practices and safeguard public health.

Health Risks of Adulterated Food

Adulterating staple foods like lentils presents not only a financial scam but also a significant public health hazard. Lentils, known for their nutritional value, and packed with proteins, iron, and essential nutrients, become harmful when exposed to toxic chemicals.

Consumption of adulterated food can result in:

• Digestive Issues: Symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
• Allergic Reactions: Triggered by harmful chemicals and additives.
• Cancer: Carcinogenic chemicals present in adulterated food raise the risk of cancer.
• Organ Damage: Harmful substances can damage vital organs, including the liver and heart.
• Chronic Diseases: Prolonged exposure to adulterated food may contribute to conditions like diabetes.

The viral video has sparked widespread outrage and raised public awareness about the critical need for stricter enforcement of food safety standards. Consumers are now calling on authorities to take stronger action to eliminate food adulteration and ensure the safety of essential food items.

Source: The Times of India