Report A 9-year-old girl died, and 15 others, mostly children, are receiving treatment for suspected food poisoning in Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh. The victims ate chicken and paneer at a family function in Hangwa village on Wednesday. Health officials quickly responded after reports of severe vomiting and dysentery surfaced. They transferred the affected individuals to the Kondagaon
READ MOREPhthalates, a group of synthetic chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics, have become a growing concern in food safety. These endocrine-disrupting compounds can leach into food from packaging, processing equipment, and even contaminated water. Studies have linked phthalate exposure to various health risks, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and developmental disorders. Despite regulations
READ MOREEver wondered why fruit cakes last so much longer than other cakes? While most cakes spoil within a few days or weeks, fruit cakes can stay fresh for months—even years! It’s not magic; it’s science. The secret lies in the ingredients and preservation methods. Sugar and alcohol act as natural preservatives, while dried fruits and
READ MORELactic acid, or 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, is a naturally occurring organic acid that forms during the fermentation of carbohydrates like sugars and starch. Commonly found in fermented foods, it plays a vital role in food preservation by inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. Aside from its preservative qualities, lactic acid offers numerous health benefits, particularly when
READ MOREAuthors: Kochurani Abraham, Linda Joise George & Sunitha Poulose Introduction The mixture, a widely consumed Indian snack known for its vibrant colours and diverse flavours, is traditionally composed of gram flour noodles, peanuts, puffed rice, and spices. To enhance its visual appeal, many vendors incorporate artificial food dyes, including yellow, red, and green. However, the
READ MOREAuthors: Biya V Jomon, Athira D & Sunitha Poulose Introduction Groundnut balls, a traditional Kerala delicacy made from groundnuts (peanuts) and jaggery, are popular for their unique flavour and texture. However, due to their high oil content and moisture from jaggery, they are particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination, especially from yeasts and moulds. Inadequate drying
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