Detergent adulteration in ice cream

April 27,Kathmandu.The demand for ice cream increases in the summer season. Cold and sweet ice cream is liked by everyone from children to adults. Ice cream is available in the market in various flavors, colors and shapes, which provide relief in the heat. But there is a truth hidden behind this taste, which is very important to know.

Recently, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) raid in Karnataka revealed shocking facts. At many places, ice cream was being made and sold in extremely unhygienic conditions. Some shopkeepers and companies were mixing dangerous chemicals like synthetic milk, detergent, urea, artificial colours and saccharin in it. Dirty water and excessive flavours were also found to be used in ice candies and cold drinks.

If we keep eating such things everyday for the sake of taste, then it can have a bad effect on our health. Therefore, it is important to be cautious while buying ice cream and also check its quality.

 What is adulterated ice cream?

Adulterated ice cream is one in which cheap and harmful things are used instead of real ingredients. Such as adding vegetable oil instead of milk and cream, adding fake flavors instead of real flavor and in some cases adding dangerous things like detergent is also included.

What kind of health problems can eating adulterated ice cream cause?

Nutritionist Dr. says that eating adulterated ice cream can have many bad effects on health. Especially if detergent, urea or synthetic chemicals are mixed in it, then it can cause food poisoning, stomach ache, vomiting-diarrhea, allergies, and damage to the liver and kidneys in the long run. It can prove to be even more dangerous for children and the elderly.

How can we identify adulteration in ice cream?

Ice cream may look delicious, but if you doubt its quality, then it can be tested using some simple home and scientific methods. Sometimes adulteration can be detected by looking at the taste, colour, texture and melting method.

 What should be done if someone has eaten adulterated ice cream?

Nutritionist Dr.  says that if adulterated ice cream is accidentally eaten and any problem like stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea or burning sensation is felt, then first of all drink plenty of water so that toxins can be removed from the body. Along with this, eat light and easily digestible food and give adequate rest to the body. If the symptoms do not subside or the condition starts worsening, then contact the doctor without delay.

According to Dr. , in some cases, antihistamine medicines may be needed in case of allergy. If food poisoning becomes severe, IV fluids or antibiotic treatment can also be given. She advises that eating citrus fruits like lemon, orange or drinking green tea can be beneficial to detox the body. These help in removing toxins substances in a natural way.

What things should be kept in mind while buying ice cream?

While buying ice cream, keep these things in mind to avoid adulteration and poor quality. 

 Is home-made ice cream safer?

Generally, homemade ice cream is considered safer than the ice cream available in the market, provided it is prepared properly. While making ice cream at home, you use fresh and clean ingredients like milk, cream, fruits and sugar. It is in your hands to control the amount of preservatives, artificial flavors or extra sugar in it. Also, if special attention is paid to cleanliness and ice cream is stored at the right temperature, then the risk of bacterial growth is also reduced to a great extent.

However, homemade ice cream can also be unsafe if precautions are not taken. Using unboiled milk, adding raw eggs, not cooling the ice cream properly, or leaving it out for a long period of time can all increase the risk of food poisoning.