Navigating the Web: A Consumer’s defence Against Dark Patterns

by admin | Feb 11, 2024 | Guest Column

Navigating the Web: A Consumer’s defence Against Dark Patterns

Consumers are finding themselves in a wide online landscape in an era of digital convenience. Although there are many advantages of the internet, it is important to stay vigilant against such practices commonly referred to as dark patterns. These subtle design choices alter consumer behaviour, often leading to unintended effects.

Rinki Sharma

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has released directives addressing the prevention and oversight of dark patterns. These guidelines target deceptive design practices that manipulate users, compromising their autonomy and decision-making. Applicable to all platforms offering goods or services in India, along with advertisers and sellers, the regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The guidelines explicitly forbid any individual or platform from employing dark patterns. They enumerate prohibited practices, such as false urgency, basket sneaking, and forced actions. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in penalties. These measures are designed to safeguard consumer rights and ensure fair and transparent interactions in the marketplace.

Understanding Dark Patterns: These are user interface design tricks that can be used to direct users in taking actions that they possibly would not have taken willingly.

False urgency: Displaying “Limited time offer, only 1 item left!” to pressure users into quick purchases.
Basket sneaking: Automatically adding accessories to the cart during online shopping without user consent.
Confirm shaming: Using prompts like “Are you sure you want to miss out on this amazing deal?” to guilt users into accepting offers.
Forced action: Requiring users to provide personal information before allowing them to exit a website.
Subscription trap: Offering a free trial that automatically converts into a paid subscription without clear notification.
Interface interference: Placing misleading pop-ups or buttons that divert users to unintended pages.
Bait and switch: Advertising a product at a low price but substituting it with a higher-priced alternative.
Drip pricing: Showing a base price for a product and gradually adding taxes, fees, and shipping costs during the checkout process.
Disguised advertising: Incorporating promotional content seamlessly into an article, making it look like genuine information.
Nagging: Continuously prompting users with pop-ups to sign up for newsletters or notifications.

Do’s:

Take the time to carefully review all information before making any online transactions. It is crucial to be thorough and informed.
Stay vigilant for any potential hidden costs before finalizing a transaction. Transparent pricing information is key to building trust and credibility online.
Be aware of subscription terms, billing cycles, and cancellation policies to avoid any surprises. Understanding these details empowers consumers to make informed decisions.
Take control of your privacy settings on online platforms. By limiting data sharing, you can protect your personal information from unnecessary exposure.
When making online purchases, opt for well-established and reputable websites. This adds an extra layer of security to your online transactions.

Don’ts:

Consumers should resist the urge to rush through transactions. Taking the time to understand agreements and scrutinize details prevents impulsive decisions.
Suspicious pop-ups, especially those urging quick actions, should not be ignored. Verifying the legitimacy of pop-ups ensures protection against potential traps.
To ensure safety and security, it is important for users to verify the authenticity of email senders before responding to urgent messages. By avoiding blind trust, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to fraudulent emails.
Reacting hastily to urgency tactics can lead to regrettable decisions. By resisting the pressure to make impulsive choices, consumers can guard themselves against online scams. Protecting personal data starts with being mindful of the information shared online.
Limiting the disclosure of unnecessary details during transactions is crucial in safeguarding sensitive information.

By staying informed and making wise choices, individuals can empower themselves against online manipulation. Practicing caution and following best practices can equip consumers with the confidence and security needed to navigate the digital landscape. Your Online Safety Matters!

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Portion Smart: Eating Foods, the Right Way

by cv | Feb 10, 2024 | Guest Column

Portion Smart: Eating Foods, the Right Way

Imagine a bag of chips. The label might list a serving size as 28 grams, but let’s be honest, who stops at just that? That’s where portion size comes in. It’s the amount of food you choose to eat, which can be more or less than a serving size. Think of a serving size as a standardized measurement, while your portion size is a personalized decision. Packaged foods – so handy, so tempting! They help us grab-and-go, but their sneaky serving sizes and clever marketing can trick us into eating more than we need. That’s where mindful eating comes in – paying attention to our hunger and munching mindfully. In this article, we talk about the influence of food portions.

Richa Pande

Factors like gender, age, and hunger impact how much we eat, but our minds also play tricks on us. Our plates are more than just containers; they’re influenced by a mix of psychology and biology. Visual cues, plate size, and optical illusions can make us think a plate is emptier than it is. Emotions, social pressure, and marketing further affect our food and portion choices.

Here are some handy ways to measure your portion sizes:

Your hand: Your palm can be a rough guide for a serving.
Measuring cups: Invest in a set of measuring cups for accurate portion control of grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Food labels: Pay attention to serving sizes listed on food labels. They might not be your ideal portion, but they’re a good starting point.
Food measuring scales: For ultimate precision, especially with meats and cheeses, consider using a food measuring scale. These handy tools take the guesswork out of portion control and ensure you’re consuming the exact amount you need.

My Plate Guide to Decoding Portion Sizes for Indians

My Plate, designed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), offers recommended food guidelines and portion sizes tailored to the unique dietary requirements and cultural nuances of India. Familiarizing oneself with these food groups can contribute make mindful food choices. The plate’s suggested proportions guarantee sufficient intake of various micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds, functional foods, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health. Opt for whole fruits over juices and have green leafy vegetables. You should be having foods from this food group the most. It’s recommended to have 400 grams of vegetables (out of these, 100g of green leafy vegetables), and 100 grams of fruits daily.
Grains & millets: Grains and Millets are rich in carbohydrates and are a significant source of energy, as well as essential nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Some millets also have more protein than regular cereals. It’s recommended to have 250 grams of food items from this group every day, for example 8 chapatis every day or katoris of red rice or millets.
Pulses, Eggs, & Flesh Products: This food group comprising pulses, eggs, and flesh foods is a crucial component of a balanced and nutritious diet, providing essential protein and a range of vital nutrients. Pulses, including lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, offer plant-based protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals. Eggs, being nutrient-dense, contribute high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and important nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline. Flesh foods, such as meat, poultry, and fish, are rich in complete proteins, iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients. As per the ICMR guidelines, incorporating approximately 85 grams these sources daily is recommended.
Fats & Oils: This food group consists of visible fats that can be added to the diet to provide a source of concentrated energy and essential fatty acids. This category includes fats from both animal and plant sources, such as butter, cooking oils like olive oil, canola oil, etc., margarine, and ghee. These fats serve as flavour enhancers, contribute to the texture of foods, and play a crucial role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). It’s recommended to take 27 g of visible fats daily. A teaspoon= 5 ml of oil or melted butter/ melted ghee.
Dairy Products: Dairy products contain many essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. Common dairy products include milk, buttermilk, cheese, paneer, and curd. The recommended daily intake for the dairy food group is approximately 300 ml / grams.

Food groups	Foods to be consumed raw weight (g/day)	% of Energy from each food group/ day	Total Energy from each food group/ day (Kcal)	Total protein from each food group/ day (g)	Total Fat from each food group/ day (g)	Total Carbs from each food group/ day (g)
Cereals (incl. Nutri cereals)	250	42	843	25	5	172
Pulses*	85	14	274	20	3	42
Milk/ Curd (ml)	300	11	216	10	13	16
Vegetables* green leafy vegetable (GLV)	400	9	174	10	2	28
Fruits	100	3	56	1	1	11
Nuts & Seeds	35	9	181	6	15	6
Fats & Oils	27	12	243	–	27	–
Total	1200	–	2000	15% of Total Energy Intake	30 % of Total Energy Intake	–

Table: Food Groups & Recommended Portions, My Plate for the Day, ICMR NIN

Nuts and Seeds: They are rich in healthy fats, protein, fibre, and many essential nutrients such as vitamins, and minerals. The recommended daily intake for the nuts and seeds food group is approximately 35 grams.

Mastering Portion Control for Smarter Snacking

Packaged foods offer undeniable convenience, but going through the recommended serving size is important before picking the portion of that food product. The “serving size” listed on labels is the recommended portion you should be having. Consider it a starting point, like a map rather than a definitive destination. Your ideal portion, the one that truly nourishes and satiates, will depend on your unique needs and circumstances. While packaged options are tempting, preparing meals at home offers greater control over portion sizes. Opt for smaller plates and bowls. This visual trick can trick your brain into feeling satisfied with smaller portions, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Avoid distractions while eating. Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and focus on the sensory experience of savouring each bite. This helps you appreciate the taste, texture, and aroma of your food, preventing mindless overconsumption. Don’t skip meals in the hopes of “saving calories” for later snacks. Instead, fuel your body consistently with balanced meals and mindful snacks throughout the day. This avoids hunger pangs that can lead to impulsive overeating.

A continuous surge in antimicrobial resistance

by admin | Jan 14, 2024 | Guest Column

A continuous surge in antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the 21st-century global public health problem. AMR occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial medicines. Because of the high rate of antibiotic overuse that leads to alterations in the bacterium itself, bacterial AMR poses the greatest concern. AMR is predicted to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050, according to The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, a UK government program [1]. WHO and other organizations acknowledge that a promptly coordinated worldwide strategy is necessary to fight AMR, even though they do not agree with this estimate. For this reason, statistics about the present global burden of bacterial AMR and its regional patterns are needed. Future generations will see the emergence of increasingly deadly infections that are incurable if effective management is not implemented. This article sheds light on global trends and developments pertaining to antimicrobial resistance in bacteria.

Dr Vikrant Kumar

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

Global trends of antimicrobial resistance

A research that was published in The Lancet estimates that 4.9 million deaths worldwide in 2019 were related to bacterial AMR [2]. It further states that the worldwide burden of bacterial AMR was caused by three infectious syndromes: bloodstream infections, intra-abdominal infections, and lower respiratory and thoracic infections. Six pathogens (E coli, Staphylococcus aureus, K pneumoniae, S pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were responsible for majority of the deaths linked to AMR.

A continuous surge in antimicrobial resistance img1

Image caption: Mortality rate due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics in 2019. Source: Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis [2]

Antimicrobial resistance in India

India has one of the highest incidences of AMR worldwide and is an emerging hub for bacterial AMR. AMR’s burden in India is mostly caused by over-the-counter availability of drugs, unrestricted and excessive human use, antibiotic use in poultry and agriculture, public ignorance, and shortcomings in national surveillance and monitoring of AMR. Antimicrobial resistance in India is further exacerbated by inadequate use of diagnostics, overcrowding that increases the risk of cross-infections, over prescription by physicians, and inadequate health infrastructure. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) annual report on the antimicrobial resistance research and surveillance network (2022) stated that E. coli, which causes meningitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, abdominal and pelvic infections, urinary tract infections, and infections, has become less susceptible to major antibiotics [3]. According to the data, E. Coli resistance to piperacillin-tazobactam climbed from 35% to 56% between 2017 and 2022, while resistance to ceftazidime increased from 18% to 23% and resistance to ciprofloxacin from 12% to 19%. S. aureus has also shown a noticeable upward trend in antibiotic resistance over time against clindamycin and cefoxitin. Similar trends were reported for Klebsiella pneumoniae, a causative agent of pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. K. pneumoniae’s sensitivity to imipenem decreased gradually during the previous six years, falling from 59% in 2017 to 42% in 2022. There has been a modest and inconsistent drop in meropenem susceptibility for K. pneumoniae. Nearly, 88% of the Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenems and left with limited treatment options. Against A. baumannii, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, amikacin and levofloxacin showed limited activity. When it comes to hospital-acquired infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are becoming a major concern, especially in patients who are very sick or have compromised immune systems. P. aeruginosa cause post-surgery infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), and/ or other body parts. These bacteria persistently find a new way to evade the effects of the antibiotics and become resistant to the treatment. The growth of drug-resistant bacteria is the main reason for the higher mortality rates. During 2017 to 2022, an increasing resistance was observed in P. aeruginosa against the majority of antibiotics- ceftazidime (41.2% to 43.6%), cefepime (46.1% to 48.1%), imipenem (40.5% to 51.1% ), meropenem (47.9% to 54.1% &), amikacin (51.4% & 60.4%), gentamicin (44.4% to 48.2%), tobramycin (50.1% to 65.8%), ciprofloxacin (35.9% to 38.5%) and levofloxacin (33.3% to 42.6%).

A continuous surge in antimicrobial resistance img2

Image Caption: Trends of antibiotic resistance among major bacterial strains from 2017-2022. Source: Annual report on antimicrobial resistance research and surveillance network (2022), ICMR [3]

Conclusive Remarks

The use of antibiotics is a cornerstone of modern medicine. The emergence and spread of bacteria resistant to drugs threatens our ability to treat common illnesses and perform life-saving procedures. Antibiotic resistance is a major global health issue that decreases the efficacy of traditional treatments against common bacterial infections. The abuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants are the main factors contributing to the formation of drug-resistant diseases. AMR affects all important sects a country leading to social and economic burden. Its primary causes are poverty and inequality, with low- and middle-income countries being most affected. The present AMR crisis highlights the urgent need for improved antimicrobial practices and broader surveillance coverage on a worldwide scale. In addition, awareness programs by local governments can help in reducing the cases of antibiotic abuse.

References:

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NutriBars Decoded: Making Informed Choices

by cv | Jan 7, 2024 | Guest Column

NutriBars Decoded: Making Informed Choices

As I navigated the bustling supermarket aisles, my attention was drawn to the vibrant array of NutriBars lining the shelves. Each bar boasted enticing claims, from “high protein” to “low sugar”, but the sheer variety and conflicting messages left me feeling overwhelmed. One bar touted its all-natural ingredients, but it had a 16 grams of sugar per serving. Another claimed to be a “meal replacement,” but its nutritional profile resembled a candy bar more than a balanced meal. The confusion was palpable, and I knew I wasn’t alone in this dilemma. With so many options to choose from, how could one make an informed decision about which NutriBar was truly the healthiest? This article discusses NutriBars in detail and offers some tips to make healthier and better choices

Richa Pande

NutriBars offer a convenient and nutritious solution to fuel your busy lifestyle. These portable snacks are packed with wholesome ingredients that provide essential nutrients for sustained energy and overall well-being. NutriBars are typically made with a combination of whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and sometimes added protein or fibre. These ingredients provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fibre, keeping you satiated and energized throughout the day.

Different Names! Are they all same?

Energy Bars: Designed to provide a quick and sustained boost of energy, these bars are typically high in carbohydrates. They often include a moderate amount of protein to support muscle recovery and may contain electrolytes to aid in hydration. Energy bars are ideal for pre-workout fuel, mid-activity energy boosts, or post-workout recovery.
Meal Replacement Bars: Intended to serve as a balanced and convenient meal replacement, these bars offer a more comprehensive nutritional profile, providing a balance of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. They often contain a higher protein content to promote satiety and muscle maintenance, along with fibre for digestive health and sustained energy. Meal replacement bars are suitable for on-the-go meals, or individuals seeking a calorie-controlled option.
Pre-Workout Bars: Designed to provide a pre-workout energy boost and support muscle preparation, these bars typically contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. They often include ingredients like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to reduce muscle fatigue and promote muscle recovery. Pre-workout bars are ideal for consuming 30-60 minutes before exercise to enhance performance.
Post-Workout Bars: Formulated to aid in muscle recovery and replenish glycogen stores after a workout, these bars typically have a higher protein content to support muscle repair and growth. They may also include carbohydrates to refuel muscles and promote energy balance. Post-workout bars are best consumed within 30-60 minutes after exercise to maximize recovery benefits.

Navigating the world of NutriBars can be difficult, given the vast array of options available. To make informed choices and maximize the benefits of NutriBar consumption, consider these essential tips:

Know Your Goals

Before diving into the world of NutriBars, it’s crucial to establish your primary objective for consuming them. Are you seeking a quick energy boost to fuel your active lifestyle? Aiming for sustainable weight loss by choosing low-calorie and satiating options? Or striving for muscle gain by incorporating protein rich NutriBars into your diet? Understanding your specific goals will guide your NutriBar selection and optimize their effectiveness. You can consult a registered nutritionist / dietitian for guidance.

Check the Ingredient List

Pick bars that have ingredients like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These ingredients offer a wealth of nutrients and fibre, promoting overall health and well-being. Avoid NutriBars laden with excessive added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and food additives that can detract from their nutritional value.

Protein Content

Pick NutriBars with a protein content of at least 8-15 grams per serving. Protein plays a pivotal role in satiety, muscle growth, and post-workout recovery. Consuming adequate protein helps you feel fuller for longer, supports muscle maintenance and repair, and enhances athletic performance. You can pick bars that contain soy, pea, and whey, nuts and seeds.

Fibre Rich

Seek NutriBars containing at least 3-5 grams of fibre per serving. Fibre serves as a gut health champion, promoting digestive regularity, fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and contributing to prolonged satiety. Incorporating fibre rich NutriBars into your diet can help you feel fuller for longer, regulate bowel movements, and support overall digestive health. Consider NutriBars enriched with prebiotics, such as chicory root inulin or Fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Prebiotics act as food for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth and enhancing digestive health. Prebiotic-rich NutriBars can help improve nutrient absorption, boost immunity, and support overall gut microbiome balance.

Sugar Content

Be mindful of sugar content when choosing NutriBars. Opt for options with less than 10 grams of added sugar per serving to minimize sugar intake and prevent blood sugar spikes. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, energy crashes, and increased risk of chronic health conditions.

Moderation is the key

While NutriBars offer convenient nutrition, it’s essential to have them in moderation. Mindless overconsumption of any food, including NutriBars, can lead to excess calorie intake, hindering health goals and potentially contributing to other health concerns.

Empowering Consumers: Navigating the Digital Age and Celebrating Consumer Rights on National Consumer Day

by cv | Jan 6, 2024 | Guest Column

Empowering Consumers: Navigating the Digital Age and Celebrating Consumer Rights on National Consumer Day

National Consumer Day is observed annually on December 24th in India, marking the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It emphasizes awareness of consumer rights, responsibilities, and the significance of protection. The Act was a pivotal step in safeguarding consumers from unfair practices and ensuring quality standards. This year’s theme is “Consumer Protection in the era of E-Commerce and Digital Trade”.

Rinki Sharma

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, was the most recent amendment to the Consumer Protection Act in India. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, came into effect on July 20, 2020. This Act aimed to strengthen consumer rights and protection in the wake of changing market dynamics, especially with the growth of e-commerce and digital platforms.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in India introduced several provisions to safeguard consumers in the context of e-commerce. These features are designed to enhance consumer rights, provide mechanisms for dispute resolution, and establish accountability for e-commerce entities. Here are some key silent features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 relevant to e-commerce:

Definition of E-Commerce-The Act explicitly defines e-commerce to cover buying or selling of goods or services, including digital products, over a digital or electronic network.

Consumer Rights in E-Commerce -The Act reinforces consumer rights in the digital space, ensuring that consumers have the right to information, right to choice, right to safety, and right to be heard in e-commerce transactions.

Liability -E-commerce entities are held accountable for the authenticity of goods and services they provide. Any false or misleading advertisements, as well as the sale of counterfeit products, can lead to legal consequences for the e-commerce platforms.

Establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)-The Act establishes the CCPA to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers, specifically in the context of unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements in e-commerce.

E-Commerce Redressal Mechanism-The Act provides for the establishment of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at the district, state, and national levels. These commissions have the authority to handle and resolve complaints related to e-commerce.

Product Liability in E-Commerce-Manufacturers, sellers, and service providers are held liable for any harm caused to consumers due to defective products or deficient services, including those transacted through e-commerce platforms.

Consumer Protection against Unfair trade practices -Unfair trade practices, including deceptive advertising, are expressly prohibited. E-commerce entities are obligated to provide accurate information about products and services, pricing, and terms and conditions to prevent misleading consumers.

E-commerce Terms & Conditions -E-commerce platforms are required to prominently display terms and conditions, including the return policy, refund policy, and grievance redressal mechanism. This ensures transparency in transactions and helps consumers make informed choices.

Digital Contracts & Payments -The Act recognizes digital contracts and transactions, offering protection to consumers engaging in online transactions. It addresses issues related to online payment systems and electronic contracts to enhance consumer confidence in digital commerce.

Consumer Awareness and Education -The Act emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and education. E-commerce entities are encouraged to contribute to consumer awareness programs to inform users about their rights and responsibilities in online transactions.

In the modern age, our strength as consumers comes from understanding our rights, practicing responsible behaviour, and actively supporting efforts that champion consumer rights. Let’s navigate the digital landscape with care, ensuring our rights are upheld, and collaboratively contribute to building a fair and secure online marketplace.

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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