Why consume Maggi if it contains lead: SC
Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 7
People’s favourite “Maggi” has once again landed in dock after Nestle (it’s manufacturer) admitted presence of lead (permissible limit) in their noodles before the Supreme Court on Thursday. The Apex Court had asked “Why should we eat Maggi when it has lead content in it?”
In 2017, a huge stock of Maggi was destroyed after it failed to adhere to the health safety norms.
Dr Avinash Jindal, medicine expert from the Civil Hospital said, “Lead is a slow poison. Exposure to high level of lead can cause poisoning, anemia, weakness and brain damage.”
“Lead poisoning occurs when it builds up in bodyfor years. Children younger than six years are more prone to lead poisoning and it can affect their mental and physical health. People working in factories which use lead are also at risk as they inhale it,” he said.
Pediatrician Dr Arvind said instant food should be avoided. “Eating food containing lead can delay growth in kids, loss of appetite and weight, irritability, abdominal pain and constipation,” he said.
“As kids have already developed a taste for instant noodles, it is very difficult to keep them away from it. It took me a year to ensure that my kids eat Maggi just twice a month. Slowly, I want to take them off these instant noodles. Government should act strictly,”said Radhika, a mother of two.
Presence of lead in food causes
- Weakness
- Anaemia
- Damage to kidney
- Neurological issues
- Hypertension
