Adulterated mango shakes shake up fear factor

Beware, the mango milk shake that you relish at the neighbourhood dairy parlour or sweet shop may cause unsavoury gastric problems.

A survey carried out by DNA, examining a representative sample of shop owners, has revealed that a majority of the sellers use synthetic colours in milk shakes to infuse them with a rich look. But what is refreshing to the eyes is often harmful to your stomach.

The survey has also revealed that the quantum of colours used by most outlets selling milk shakes exceeds the level prescribed by the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) norms. Since milk and water in the shake dull the drink’s colour, the vendors try to jazz up their product with synthetic colours.

Survey results indicate another disturbing finding: even many types of ice-cream do not conform to the PFA norms. In around 50% of the samples, the milk-fat level was lower than the figures specified by the PFA guidelines. According to the norms, the milk-fat level in ice-cream must be higher than 10%.

Suhas Kulkarni, the AMC's medical officer, said that food colours were not meant for daily consumption. "High levels of synthetic food colours may cause gastric problems," he said. When DNA tried to collect samples, it became clear that shop owners were wary of cooperating. They were apprehensive about the outcome of testing.

It seems that the shop owners are pushed to undesirable practices because they are ignorant of customers' real concerns. People are ready to pay for food items of high quality, so shop owners need not worry about using the right raw material, said an AMC official.

As for those who adulterate food, the law mandates stiff punishment.  "A shopkeeper or manufacturer found guilty of adulterating food may have to undergo six months' imprisonment," Kulkarni said.