Food Contact Materials and Your Health: Tips for a Safer Approach

by admin | Dec 17, 2023 | Guest Column

Food Contact Materials and Your Health: Tips for a Safer Approach

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a strong advisory urging both consumers and food vendors to refrain from using newspapers in any capacity related to packing, serving, or storing food items. The FSSAI emphasized the potential health hazards associated with the ink used in newspapers, citing its composition of bioactive materials known to have adverse effects on health when ingested. Additionally, these printing inks may contain chemicals such as lead and heavy metals, which can leach into the food, posing serious long-term health risks. The FSSAI is actively collaborating with state food authorities to enforce a ban on the use of newspapers for packaging or wrapping food items. Besides newspapers, there are many other food contact materials we encounter daily that can significantly influence our health. In this article, we will delve deeper into some of these materials, discuss how their usage can affect our health, and provide tips on safeguarding our health against their potential risks.

Richa Pande

What are Food Contact Materials?

Food contact materials encompass items directly or indirectly interacting with food. This includes any material intentionally or likely to come into contact with food, packaging materials, cleaning agents, cutlery, dishes, containers, cutting boards, and more.

Watch Out for ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Your Food Packaging and Everyday Environment

“Forever chemicals” refer to a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), notorious for their long-lasting nature. These chemicals earned the nickname “forever chemicals” due to their remarkable durability. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, PFAS are utilized in nonstick cookware, disposable take-away food packaging, pizza boxes, burger wrappers, water-resistant clothing, stain-proof fabrics, microwave popcorns bags, some cosmetics and various other items designed to repel grease, water, and oil. Unfortunately, these chemicals have been associated with heightened risks of thyroid disease, cancer, liver diseases, decreased fertility, low birth weight, non-communicable diseases, and other significant health issues.

How can you avoid PFAs/ Forever Chemicals?

It is very difficult to avoid forever chemicals but there are some steps you can take to reduce exposure to PFAS via everyday products:

Reverse osmosis systems can eliminate PFAs in water. Replace filters as required.
Avoid using non-stick cookware and choose stainless steel utensils.
Avoid picking microwave popcorns.
Store your food in glass containers not in plastic or cardboard containers.
Limit eating foods packed in take-out containers.
Use BPI certified compostable food wraps as they do not have PFAs.

Reducing Plastic Contact with Food

Minimizing food’s contact with plastic is critical due to potential health risks associated with chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, as well as the presence of microplastics in food and water. However, it’s important to note that certain food-grade plastics deemed safe for use have undergone rigorous testing to meet specific safety standards. Nonetheless, continuous exposure to even food-grade plastics may carry risks, prompting a need to limit reliance on plastic in food storage and preparation.

Tips to Minimize Food’s Contact with Plastic

Prefer Alternatives: Prioritize materials like glass, stainless steel, or silicone for storing and heating food, minimizing reliance on even food-grade plastics. Storing kitchen staples in steel and glass containers provides a safer alternative to plastic. Opt for glass bottles to store cold-pressed cooking oils instead of plastic containers, as glass prevents potential chemical interactions with the oil, maintaining its quality and purity. Steel containers serve as excellent options for preserving grains, pulses, and spices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for your kitchen essentials.
Choose Non-Plastic Chopping Boards: Use chopping boards made from wood, instead of plastic boards to avoid potential chemical leaching and microplastic contamination.
Verify Labels: Choose food storage containers specifically labelled as BPA-free or made from safer plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) to reduce potential chemical leaching.
Use Plastic Sparingly: Whenever possible, opt for non-plastic alternatives such as glass jars, stainless steel containers, or silicone bags for storing and transporting food to mitigate exposure to any potential risks associated with prolonged plastic usage.
Avoid using plastic-based food blenders; opt for steel or glass-based blenders instead.

Plastic Chopping Boards	Wood Chopping Boards
Plastic Containers	Steel & Glass Containers
Dishwashing Liquids & Bars (Laced with chemicals)	Natural Alternatives
Refined Cooking oil in Plastic Pouches or Containers	Cold-pressed cooking oil in glass bottles
Easy Swaps for Better Health

Safeguarding Health and the Environment: Choose Chemical-Free Alternatives for Dishwashing

Common dishwashing liquids, promising effective grease removal and pleasant scents, often hide a range of active ingredients that pose risks to both your well-being and the environment. Ingredients like Disodium EDTA, phosphates, triclosan, and SLES are frequently found in these products. Even after a thorough cleaning, remnants of these liquids persist on our dishes, entering our bodies with every subsequent meal. This can potentially disrupt the gut microbiome, affecting our overall health and leading to various diseases and metabolic disorders.

What are the alternatives?

Consider opting for natural ingredient-based alternatives. Not only are these alternatives effective for cleaning, but they also reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. This eco-friendly approach to dishwashing ensures a safer and healthier environment for you and the planet.

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Unlocking Minds: Understanding the core of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

by admin | Dec 16, 2023 | Guest Column

Unlocking Minds: Understanding the core of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affects memory and cognitive function. It is the most common cause of dementia, gradually impairing daily life. Research aims to understand its complex pathology and develop effective treatments for this widespread and challenging condition.

Ayushi Thapliyal, Senior Research Fellow

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

All of us have heard about neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (commonly abbreviated as AD). However, general population is typically quite ignorant about these conditions and they fail to understand if there is any major difference between dementia and AD. To put in simple words, dementia is a generic term used for decline in mental ability of a person to the extent that it interferes with day-to-day activities. Common symptoms may include deterioration of memory, language, reasoning, and beyond. Various health conditions that cause damage to brain cells, like AD, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and others can cause these symptoms. Other causes may include excess consumption of alcohol, vitamin deficiencies, side effects of certain drugs, thyroid problems, etc. However, the most common cause of these symptoms is AD, diagnosed in 60-80% of dementia cases.

On the other hand, AD is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by complex changes in brain causing neuronal cell damage, which eventually leads to dementia. In addition to memory loss, people with AD experience difficulty finishing even basic chores. Changes in personality or mood swings are also common in these cases. Some people may become confused regarding names, locations, and events. Visual anomalies can also happen, such as trouble in understanding pictures. According to science, AD causes accumulation of aggregated proteins in the brain, such as phosphorylated tau and beta-amyloid and neuronal degeneration. Because all human functions—such as thinking, walking, and talking—depend on brain neurons, AD causes damage to the brain areas that govern these functions. As a result, cognitive, language, and memory problems become the initial onset signs of AD. Such patients can undergo behavioral, personality or emotional changes. One particular behavior that warrants attention is wandering, and being unable to find their way back. With time, more areas of the brain are affected and even performing daily tasks like dressing and bathing require professional caregivers. Even while AD appears to be a simple example of neuronal degeneration, it is really more complicated due to its 20-year latent phase. It is a degenerative disease, which worsens over time and its progression varies from person to person. The progression of AD from the unnoticeable brain changes to eventual physical disability is termed as the Alzheimer’s disease continuum. It includes three primary phases- preclinical AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s dementia. Alzheimer’s dementia is usually noticed after 65 years and this is referred as late onset AD, and like other chronic illnesses, it develops as a result of various factors including genetics, cardiovascular health, traumatic brain injury, smoking, physical activity, diet, etc. People who experience cognitive changes should speak with a doctor to determine whether these changes are normal for their age, reversible, or indicative of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Dementia cases are typically disregarded because of ignorance, stigma, or fear, but a diagnosis can assist medical professionals and caregivers in establishing a prognosis that can enable Alzheimer’s patients lead reasonably normal lives.

According to the most recent estimates, the condition affects about 57.4 million individuals globally and poses a significant health burden. The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS) 2019 projects that by 2050, the number of dementia cases would soar to 166%, affecting the lives of around 152.8 million people; these projections are in line with the predictions made by the WHO. In addition, it is anticipated that the rise in dementia cases would be greatest (up to 330%) in nations with poor sociodemographic index scores, such as India.1 According to recent estimates, 8.8 million Indians over 60 have dementia, with varying burden in different states and subpopulations in India.2 The prevalence of dementia is greater in women (9.0%) than in males (5.8%). Additionally, if the frequency stays the same, there may be 16.9 million instances of dementia by 2036 due to the growing older Indian population.

The Alzheimer’s condition can be tricky to diagnose, and only a comprehensive medical assessment including blood tests, mental status evaluations, and brain imaging can help in diagnosing AD. Fortunately, these AD workups are easily assessable in India. Getting AD as the diagnosis will be definitely heartbreaking as currently no definite cure for it is known; nonetheless, certain medications are available for those suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s condition. Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms, like depression and restlessness can also be treated and managed. These medications do not treat AD; but in certain cases, they shortly halt the disease’s progression of symptoms ensuring a relatively quality life for the patients. For more information about the available medication, individuals should get in touch with the professionals. According to new guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO), people can also lower their risk of dementia by exercising regularly, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol that can be harmful, controlling their weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Not only for the patients, AD can also be very difficult and stressful for the family members/ caregivers at times. There are, however, ways to deal with such situations. Some helpful tips for the caregivers’ are-

Establish simple normal routines of the AD individual.
Encourage self-reliance in the individual.
Support them to keep their dignity.
Try to avoid confrontation/ conflicts that might cause unnecessary stress to the patient.
Try to maintain communication and a happy environment around them.
Safety should be the priority.
Promote health and fitness.
Above all, remember to look after your physical and emotional health. Eat well, do regular exercise, and get enough sleep.

It is crucial to remember that some people have dementia-like symptoms but do not exhibit the progressive brain abnormalities associated with AD or other neurodegenerative diseases. Depression, untreated sleep apnea, delirium, medication side effects, Lyme disease, thyroid issues, specific vitamin deficiencies, and excessive alcohol consumption can also cause similar symptoms. Unlike AD, these problems can be treated to reverse them. Therefore, it is important to identify whether the root cause of the dementia is AD or any other condition. Extensive scientific research on Alzheimer’s disease is underway globally, with some advances seen in the presymptomatic years. In the meanwhile, public awareness has to be raised, since we can only prolong the lives of those afflicted with the disease by staying one step ahead of the disease.

Ray S, Kumar A, Kapil S, Sharma R, Gayathri J. Early Detection & Management of Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia in India: A Policy Perspective. CSIR-NIScPR Policy Bulletin/February-2023/01. https://niscpr.res.in/includes/images/bulletin/bulletin-2023-03-15.pdf

2. Lee J, Meijer E, Langa KM, et al. Prevalence of dementia in India: National and state estimates from a nationwide study. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2023;19:2898–2912. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12928

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World Diabetes Day 14 th Nov, 2023 – Access to Diabetes Care

by admin | Dec 16, 2023 | Guest Column

World Diabetes Day 14 th Nov, 2023 – Access to Diabetes Care

Authors: – Dr. Pankaj Bhardwaj (Dr Pankaj Bhardwaj,

Academic Head, School of Public Health (SPH),

Professor of Community Medicine & Family Medicine

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur

and

Dr. Madhukar Mittal (Additional Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur

Currently India is struggling with the triple burden of diseases. Beside the burden of malnutrition and communicable diseases, the burden of NCDs is increasing exponentially. Amongst NCDs, the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension is thought to be both an important driver and consequence of the epidemiological transition. The weak control cascade of hypertension and diabetes from the time of screening till the attainment of optimal control of the condition is a public health challenge, particularly in resource limited settings.

India being the diabetes capital of the world requires that affordable access to diabetes care be made available in all parts of the country. The onset of type 2 diabetes in developing countries including India is commonly occurring much earlier in the 3rd-4th decade of life. With increased longevity and persistence of NCDs like diabetes into the twilight years, the burden of diabetes is bound to increase.

The Tree: Trunk and Branches Model

Consider the two conditions of diabetes and hypertension as the trunk of a tree. Heart, kidney, eyes, Brain, Feet are like the branches of this tree. If the tree is nourished properly and the trunk remains healthy, then the multiple branches also remain healthy. On the contrary, if diabetes and hypertension are detected late and are uncontrolled, then various complications including heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, eye disease-blindness, foot ulcers, lower limb amputations are likely to occur. Diabetes is the single most common cause for chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, blindness (nontraumatic), foot ulcer and lower limb amputations (after road traffic accidents). Hypertension with diabetes is the single most common cause for brain stroke.

Nudge to Policymakers

Government spending on healthcare is limited. In India, although the healthcare budget spending has increased over the years, there is still a vast gap between the actual needs of the population and the government expenditure. India has improved its indices with regards to infectious diseases. Currently, for any government to get the “maximum bang for the buck spent”, fiscal prudence demands focus on targeted spending on prevention of lifestyle disorders or NCDs, especially diabetes and hypertension. This would help in reducing/negating expenditure (both government and individual) to a significant degree on multiple other medical conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, eye blindness, brain stroke, lower limb foot ulcers and amputations.

Currently Government of India as well as state governments are digitalizing population based screening records of community in different NCDs including Diabetes. The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are filling Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) forms for early detection of NCDs. Apart from screening many barriers to optimal hypertension and diabetes care can be overcome through IT- based quality improvement strategies, which includes electronic case record form (eCRF) which allows nurses to enter patient demographic information, medical history, physical examinations, and laboratory investigations into an electronic form through a web-based “NCD portal”. Clinical decision support system (CDSS) which generates customized evidence-based treatment advisories for patients with hypertension and diabetes also supplements the routine care. So, we can help harness the power of technology to effectively tackle the rising burden of diabetes and hypertension in India.

Using this approach, we can achieve the goal of this year’s theme of providing accessible diabetes care to all.

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World Day of Remembrance 2023 in Bhopal, MP

by admin | Dec 16, 2023 | Global Road Safety Initiative

World Day of Remembrance 2023 in Bhopal, MP

National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE), in collaboration with Consumer Voice, New Delhi, joined hands with Ankur Higher Secondary School, T T Nagar, Bhopal, to organize a road walk and human chain on November 22, 2023, in honor of the “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.” The objective of this initiative was to advocate for adherence to traffic rules, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents and casualties on the roads. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, established by Road Peace in 1993, has gained global recognition and is observed every third Sunday in November as endorsed by the United Nations.

The event kicked off at Ankur Higher Secondary School, where Shri Narendra Chaudhary, a Traffic Police officer from Madhya Pradesh, addressed students, parents, teachers, and volunteers, emphasizing the critical importance of following traffic rules. Shri Avinash Shrivastava highlighted the significance of the day. Students, carrying placards with road safety messages, walked along Link Road Number 1, forming a human chain that extended towards TT Nagar main road. The police ensured the safety of the participants, and the atmosphere resonated with road safety chants.

The event gained additional significance by aligning with Madhya Pradesh Police’s month-long statewide drive to enforce helmet and seat belt usage. Over 100 students, teachers, and volunteers actively participated in the initiative. Dr. Pradip Nandi, DG, NCHSE, Mrs. Vishakha Sharma, Principal of Ankur HS School, and other dignitaries graced the occasion. The initiative included the distribution of pamphlets, installation of road safety signage, and educating vehicle drivers without helmets on safety rules. The event successfully contributed to raising awareness and fostering a safer road environment. Regional media played a crucial role in supporting the cause, providing extensive coverage of the event and highlighting the collective efforts made towards promoting road safety.Regional media supported the cause and provided very good coverage,

World Day of Remembrance 2023 in Lucknow, UP

by admin | Dec 16, 2023 | Global Road Safety Initiative

World Day of Remembrance 2023 in Lucknow, UP

Abhishek Srivastava, Chairman of Consumer Guild, highlighted the global significance of World Remembrance Day, emphasizing its role in reducing road accidents and acknowledging the emotional and economic toll of such incidents. This year’s theme, ‘Justice,’ adds a crucial dimension to the discussion.

In Lucknow, the event drew diverse participants, including traffic police, advocates, professors, retired officials, senior citizens, transport department officials, students, road safety experts, and traffic victims. They collectively emphasized the importance of road safety and wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers.

Abhishek Srivastava shared alarming statistics from a recent Transport Department report, revealing a 6.44 percent increase in road accident deaths in Uttar Pradesh, totaling 22,595 in 2022. He underscored the pressing need for improved safety measures, particularly helmet usage. The national scenario saw 1,68,491 deaths due to road accidents in 2022, with speeding and non-helmet usage contributing significantly.

During the memorial meeting, participants paid tribute to road accident victims, observing a two-minute silence. Traffic Inspector Sh. Radheshyam Singh spoke about traffic rules, while Traffic Inspector Harikesh Arya, Traffic Sub Inspector Virendra, and Sh. Ahitsham, Road Safety Coordinator Maruti Suzuki, explained the enforcement rules they oversee. Dr. Jayanti Srivastava, Assistant Professor at Amity University, also addressed the gathering.

Despite confirmation, RTO Lucknow couldn’t participate at the last moment due to health reasons. Regional media supported the cause and provided very good coverage.

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