SANGITA SHARMA
Food in all its natural glory, is nature’s gift to mankind and is naturally connected to human sustenance on earth. It nourishes the body, mind and soul. But today there is a notable transformation going on in the realm of food that we consume. Scientific knowledge, technology and economics seem to have taken over the rising demand for food all over the world. Hectic lives of people barely give them time to spare a thought on the nutritional content of the food that they eat.
Earlier people followed traditional methods of cooking as per local or regional produce which sufficed for a healthy life. People took pride in their culinary heritage and considered it as a mark of their identity. According to Goode, Curtis and Theophano, “food is the last aspect of the ethnic culture to be lost”, and so it should be fiercely guarded.
The days of food from the farm gate to the plate seem to be dwindling into oblivion. Many ancient cultures are diversifying traditional methods of cooking into more commercially viable products. The humble kitchen at home seems to be evolving into a cosmetic food store. The trend of pre-prepared, time saving food seems to be replacing the fresh food concept in our kitchens and that too with a vengeance.
Computer based control systems, sophisticated packaging methods, logistics and distribution systems are supposed to enhance food product quality and improve safety standards. But are these packaged products as nutritious as their fresh counterparts? Are they absolutely safe for consumption as professed by the makers of these products? And who is to gain out of this new trend? Is it the farmer or the consumer? Or is it the government, the food packaging companies and the smart mega stores?
Is the influx of MNC’s in the simple food habits of people a sign of economic growth and development? Whilst the government feels that the entry of MNC’s manufacturing packaged food products is the call of the hour …..Here is a reality check that we need to seriously introspect upon in terms of health and economic issues related to our country. It is true that societies which are switching over to ‘western diets’ are having more health issues than before and also their own peculiar economic problems.
 Manufactured or packaged food are harbingers of health problems. Processed foods are rich in sugar, addictive in nature, contain all sorts of artificial ingredients like preservatives, colours, flavours and chemicals. They are high in refined carbohydrates, low in nutrients/ fibre and rich in trans-fats. They are responsible for various diseases like obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer etc.
 Food packaging with safety standards in place, are also being considered un-safe. The use of FCM’s or ‘Food Control Materials’ are coming under a scanner, as those eating packaged food are likely to be exposed to low levels of these substances throughout their lives.
 Formaldehyde, a cancer causing substance is legally used in FCM’s like plastic bottles used for fizzy drinks and melamine tableware.
 Chemicals like Bisphenol A (used in cash register receipts), Triclosan (used in sanitisers), Tributylin and Phthalates used in FCM’s disrupt hormone production.
 Boxes and wrappers have hazardous chemicals. Nearly 4000 chemicals are being used in various FCM’s which are the cause of infertility, thyroid diseases, cancer, immune system problems etc. The chemical regulatory procedures in this regard are inadequate and need to be ascertained at the earliest for well-being of the consumer.
Food manufacturing companies and supermarket giants invest capital to retrieve huge profits. They manipulate markets to their advantage, exercise control over farmers, processors and influence consumers by fancy advertisements and attractive offers. It’s a misconception to think that these companies will generate more employment, give farmers their due or provide nutritional value to the food that the consumers purchase from them. They are definitely not on a philanthropic mission and as such irrelevant for resolving our economic problems.
Our country has a gigantic population and unique economic challenges. Poverty, unemployment and the issue of equitable distribution of wealth needs to be addressed with a committed zeal.
The time has come to reflect upon the strength and limitations of our nation and work accordingly rather than imitate the West blindly. We have an incredibly hard working farming community, huge manpower, abundant natural resources and rich culinary traditions. We also have enthusiastic entrepreneurs who are re-inventing the norms of business in the country. We are also witness to the packaged food debacle of the West wherein research shows that 90 percent money spent by most Americans on food is on packaged products. By harnessing the existing resources and devising new methods in the way we make and market ‘fresh foods’, India can become a beacon of change for the rest of the world. For this purpose, it is the village and farming communities which needs to be involved. It is important that they get the due for their hard work.
Besides regular meals, desserts, bakery products, pickles and traditional health drinks too can be made and marketed.
 Traditional methods of cooking and recipes using natural ingredients should be revived and trained chefs should teach the nuances of healthy cooking to the workers and also to young people, at these centres.
 To make ‘fresh food ventures’ a success, state of the art premises, transport link, refrigerated vehicles, committed chefs and dedicated workers are absolutely essential.
 Fresh food should not only find its way into urban homes, offices and schools (where we need to discourage children from consuming fast food) but also find its rightful place in ‘megastores’ – Fresh ingredients should be showcased on shelves and fresh meals should be made available on order basis. This should certainly keep the ‘SWADESHI’ spirit alive.