As per reports, Karnataka’s local ice cream ice candy and cool drink manufacturing units have been flagged by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) for selling substandard products under unhygienic conditions. It is reported that 97 out of 220 shops have been issued notices for failing to maintain proper storage conditions. And many have been found using detergent powder in creams to create a creamy texture, and phosphoric acid is being used in cool drinks to enhance fizz. For the unversed, phosphoric acid often leads to weakening of bones.
In several cases, manufacturers were using synthetic milk made from detergent, urea, or starch to cut costs. Instead of natural sugar, harmful additives like saccharin and non-permitted dyes were being used to enhance taste and colour.
It was also found that many manufacturers were using contaminated or non-potable water in ice candies and cool drinks or were adding flavouring agents in quantities far exceeding the permissible limits.
It is proven that detergent powder is not fit for human consumption. Any sort of ingestion can be extremely harmful and may cause severe health complications. It can lead to digestive issues including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The string alkaline and acidic ingredients in detergent can cause bruns in the throat, esophagus, and stomach. If inhaled while consuming, detergent can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. And as per experts, long-term exposure or high doses can stress the kidneys and liver, leading to potential organ damage. Some detergents contain toxic compounds that can harm the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. It is also said that ingesting detergent pods can lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood becomes too acidic. And elevated white blood cell counts and increased lactic acid levels have been noted in pediatric patients. As per online reports, cases have been reported where children developed breathing difficulties requiring medical intervention after ingesting detergent pods. Also, inhaling detergent during ingestion can lead to lung inflammation and respiratory failure. Some detergent ingredients affect the nervous system, causing dizziness, confusion, or even seizures in extreme cases. Also, certain chemicals in detergent can damage the liver, kidneys, or blood cells if absorbed into the body. As per experts, contact with detergent can cause redness, itching, or rashes due to harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and phosphates. If detergent enters the airways (aspiration) during swallowing or vomiting, it can cause choking, coughing, wheezing, or chemical pneumonia. In severe cases, it may require intensive medical care. Headache, confusion, drowsiness, and seizures can occur if toxic chemicals affect the central nervous system.
