1. Pesticides
A study by the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues in 2013 analyzed many agricultural products for pesticide residues, including fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and meat. Out of the total 59842 samples analyzed in this study, about 6000 samples had pesticide residues above safe level .Each pesticide comes with its own unique health concern. organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system, while others are carcinogenic.
What can you do?
Grow your own veggies with natural herbicides wherever possible ! Certified organic produce is an option . Washing well, removing the skin and cooking in water removes pesticides to a large extent (however, reduces the nutrition quotient as well !).
2. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
These compounds are usually added to fats and cooking oils (and many others including baked foods, snacks etc) as “antioxidants” and their main role is prevent oils from becoming rancid. Fats and oils get oxidized when exposed to air for a long time, and this process results in their getting spoilt. BHA is an antioxidant, which prevents the spoilage. But many studies have found that BHA increases activity of cancer cells in liver and other organs. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared BHA as a carcinogen.
What can you do?
Read labels carefully for BHA (listed as antioxidant under ingredients). Try and buy products without BHA. Cold pressed oils are available , although not extensively, but many online sites sell them. It is good to make butter and ghee from fresh milk at home as much as possible.
3. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH/rBST)
rBGH is a synthetic hormone that is man made, and given to cows to stimulate milk production. Some countries have banned the use of this hormone. Cows that receive this hormone have a higher level of another hormone called IGF-1, which is believed to help cancer cells grow and induce tumours. More studies are needed on permissible levels and there is still no regulation on commercially packaged milk in India.
What can you do?
As of now in India, no options exist ! Buying fresh milk from cows is an option in many places, but it is difficult to know if the vendor is feeding the cow antibiotics and hormones.
4. Sodium Aluminum Sulphate and Potassium Aluminum Sulphate
Listed under ingredients as soda alum or sodium alum, or simply as acidity regulator (E521 ) this chemical is basically used to make baking powder and used in anything that is baked . Processed cheese products, microwave popcorn, among other packaged goods, also contain this. these ingredients are linked to adverse reproductive, neurological, behavioral, and developmental effects.
The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) states that aluminum salts in excessive amounts, have adverse effects on bone health, can cause kidney damage, and interfere with glucose metabolism,
What can you do?
Read labels carefully. Avoid the food if you find this listed on the label. Most baked goods and processed foods contain this, and in India, there are no label regulations for the street vendor or the local baker. Stay away from these as much as possible !