Adulterated food biggest child killer in Gujarat

Diarrhoeal diseases caused by consumption of adulterated food have been found to be the most prevalent cause of deaths among children (less than 5 years old) in the Gujarat, say experts. New mothers, relishing substandard food items sold on roadsides, pass on the infections to their infants, while many kids also get first hand infections by exposure to unhygienic conditions at various food joints. 

In general, cases of digestive problems have registered a threefold rise in the state, compared to the decade's earlier years, said experts on the occasion of the World Digestive Health Day on Saturday.

The rise in digestive tract infections and food pipe and pancreatic cancers among the state population is linked to rising use of substandard adulterated food as well as increasing use of alcohol and tobacco and tobacco products, informed Dr Deval Parikh, president of Gujarat gastroenterology society.

"Sweets made with toxic colours and adulterated food items containing toxic substances account for a large number of digestive health problems in Gujarat. These problems cause severe diarrhoea, particularly in children and elderly," informed Dr Shravan Bohra, secretary, Gujarat gastroenterology society. "Up to 25% of adults suffer acidity, heartburn and such minor digestive problems in the state," Bohra added.