Food safety is indeed a topic that people should familiarize themselves with. It is important to note that not all our foods are as protected as they should be. Some of the following problems have emerged in the recent past and are harming the health of consumers. Here is what you should know about 18 alarming trends in food safety you can’t ignore.
Increasing Incidents of Food Borne Diseases
Food-borne illnesses are widespread, and millions of people are affected around the globe each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the bacteria involved in these diseases originate from low hygiene standards and incorrect handling during food production.
Pesticide Residues in Food
All fruits and vegetables are treated with pesticides to protect them from pests. However, these chemicals often remain on the products. Various studies indicate that many pesticide residues exceed permissible safety levels, which could negatively affect human health, leading to hormonal imbalances and other chronic diseases.
Antibiotic Resistance in Livestock
Livestock animals are often given antibiotics to prevent diseases and promote growth. Unfortunately, the frequent use of these antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can then be transmitted to humans through meat, milk, and eggs, posing a serious health risk.
The Influence of Packaging Components
Food packaging materials such as plastics and cans often contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA). When these materials are heated, these chemicals can leach into food, potentially leading to health issues such as hormonal imbalances and cancer.
Globalization of Food Supply Chains
Contamination poses a significant risk to food items during long-distance transport. In some countries, poor sanitation and inadequate safety measures have contributed to the spread of foodborne diseases worldwide. This contamination can occur while food is being transported, highlighting the need for better safety protocols.
Contamination of Food Products
Mixing or adding original food with those of poorer kinds is also a widespread problem. The addition of water in milk up to the required standard, mixing of deleterious dyes with spices, etc., reduces the quality of the food and may lead to some severe illness.
The problem of Artificial Additives
Canned or preserved foods and other commercially prepared meals incorporate additives such as colorants, flavors, and preservative chemicals. Although artificial additives improve the taste and increase the shelf life of processed foods, they can lead to allergy, increased hyperkinetic activity in children, and other ailments when taken in excess.
No Trace of Ingredients
Food producers often do not provide sufficient information about their products, making it challenging for consumers to trace the origin of their food. Without clear information on the source and production methods, it becomes difficult to identify potential contamination sources.
Food Vendors: Menace on the street
Fast foods are well-liked internationally, but several units don’t possess permits and adhere to cleanliness, which is why food-borne illnesses are common as foods come into contact with contaminated water, dirty cooking surfaces, and poor hygiene practices.
High Levels of Heavy Metals
Food produced in contaminated soil or water sources can contain various heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Over time, these metals can build up in the body and cause major medical issues such as renal and nerve disorders or even cancer.
Improper Handling of Ready-to-Eat Foods
Cut fruits, salads, and other convenience foods have been washed or prepared through improper handling techniques. The transfer of food from freshly produced to ready-to-eat foods, during preparation, exposes the food to bacteria, causing several food-borne diseases.
Mislabeling and False Claims
Occasionally, there is wrong labeling or information, such as claims of organic nature or percentage of nutrient value among foods. For instance, a company produces foodstuffs that are indicated as organic or natural. However, they might not meet the stipulated regulations or policies, defrauding the consumers and their health perils.
Unsafe Water used in food production
Water that has been polluted and utilized for watering plants, washing, and processing foods is an issue. Many food-borne diseases such as norovirus and Hepatitis A have been identified to enter the food chain through sources of water that might be untreated or even polluted.
Improper storage and preservation
There is nothing as important as the temperature in determining whether or not the food that you prepare will be safe for human consumption. Transportation, storage, or display at incorrect temperatures promotes the growth of bacteria such as Listeria, especially in products derived from milk and meat.
New Findings About Rising Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Food allergies are becoming abundant, and this, coupled with foods that are mislabelled, does not make it easy to distinguish between their ingredients. Common food products such as nuts, gluten, and dairy can be serious allergens that may cause severe allergic reactions when unexpectedly encountered by consumers.
Counterfeit Food articles
Consumers are being sold fake honey or olive oil. These products are usually produced from dangerous chemicals or have lower nutritional value than the actual product.
Lack of Implementation of Farm-to-Table Practice
Farming involves several stages, starting from harvesting to reaching your dining table. These stages include harvesting, processing, packaging, and distribution. Contamination can occur at any stage if hygiene and safety are not maintained.
Climate Change Effect on Food Safety
Rising temperatures and changing weather conditions can increase the occurrence of food-borne diseases. Extreme temperatures during processing can promote bacterial growth, especially in warm conditions. Additionally, floods and droughts impact agriculture and compromise safe food processing methods.
Conclusion
Food safety requires the involvement of the government, producers, and consumers. These alarming trends can help you make effective decisions when choosing a food product for yourself and your family. Just a few precautions need to be exercised to ensure that the food is good for the tongue and the tummy. It is about time for us to force the industry to improve food safety and ensure proper labeling along with other measures to ensure that consumers remain healthy and free of foodborne diseases.
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