Prevention chemical substances, hidden within the meals we eat day-after-day, are chemical substances designed to stop spoilage and prolong shelf life. However what if these meals preservatives do extra hurt than good? Current research have proven that a few of these chemical substances can have severe well being results, together with the potential to trigger most cancers, neurological problems and different illnesses.
Meals preservatives are used to increase the shelf lifetime of meals and forestall spoilage and lack of vitamins. They’ll additionally assist preserve the standard of meals in order that it appears, smells and tastes contemporary. Moreover, they can assist forestall the expansion of dangerous micro organism and different microorganisms that may trigger illness.
There are lots of completely different ways in which meals preservation chemical substances can be utilized. A generally used technique is including chemical preservatives to meals. For instance, sodium nitrite is commonly added to meats similar to bacon and ham to stop the expansion of micro organism and forestall spoilage. Different chemical preservatives, similar to sorbic acid, may be added to meals similar to cheese to assist them retain their freshness and taste.
One other widespread technique of meals storage is using bodily boundaries. For instance, packaging meals in hermetic containers can assist forestall the expansion of micro organism and prolong the shelf lifetime of the meals.
Among the meals merchandise which may be most in danger from using chemical preservatives are processed meats similar to bacon, ham and sausage. It is because these meals are sometimes excessive in nitrates and nitrites, which may be transformed into nitrosamines within the physique. Nitrosamines have been linked to most cancers in some research.
Some research have proven that chemical preservatives can be current in excessive concentrations in processed meals similar to bread, cereal and even child meals. Though extra analysis is required, it's necessary to pay attention to the potential dangers of chemical preservatives in processed meals.
In Nigeria, like many international locations on this planet, issues have been raised about using chemical preservatives in meals merchandise. Though laws exist designed to guard customers from unsafe ranges of those chemical substances, it is very important word that there have been situations of non-compliance with these laws.
For instance, analysis has proven that meals merchandise offered in Nigeria might comprise larger concentrations of chemical preservatives than what’s legally permitted. As well as, issues have been raised in regards to the mislabeling of meals merchandise, which may make it troublesome for customers to know what they’re really consuming.
Among the illnesses which were linked to using chemical preservatives in meals merchandise in Nigeria embody most cancers, kidney injury and reproductive issues. Moreover, the report has steered that using these chemical substances could also be linked to an increase within the charges of autism and behavioral problems in kids.
Whereas extra analysis is required to totally perceive the well being dangers related to using chemical preservatives in meals, these findings spotlight the significance of making certain that meals merchandise offered in Nigeria are secure for consumption.
On this regard, when utilizing chemical substances for meals preservation in Nigeria, precedence must be given to utilizing secure and pure strategies wherever doable. This may assist scale back the chance of publicity to doubtlessly dangerous chemical substances, whereas nonetheless making certain meals is saved in a secure and efficient method.
By utilizing other ways to protect meals with out utilizing chemical preservatives. One choice is to make use of pure strategies similar to drying, freezing, pickling and fermentation. These strategies have been used for hundreds of years to increase the shelf lifetime of meals with out the necessity for chemical components.
Correct storage and dealing with of meals can assist forestall spoilage and prolong the shelf lifetime of meals. This contains conserving meals merchandise on the appropriate temperature, utilizing clear utensils and containers, and correctly sealing meals to stop the expansion of micro organism.
Abdullahi wrote from the Division of Mass Communication, Borno State College.
