Is the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Listening?

Newsreel Asia Insight #37
Nov. 7, 2023

Turmeric is a golden treasure within our kitchen cabinets that echoes tales of ancient health practices and vibrant culinary traditions. As “haldi,” it also colours our festivities, flavours our meals and brightens our skin. But behind the warm hues lies a hidden danger: lead adulteration, a toxic intrusion into this benign spice, betraying the trust of millions.

The turmeric we use may have lead chromate added to it for a richer golden colour, warns The Economist magazine, saying it can lead to lead poisoning, an invisible predator that has been tied to a staggering 1.4 million deaths in South Asia and a crippling blow to productivity in the region, valued at an equivalent of 9% of GDP.

Lead, a poisonous metal, can harm the brain, nerves, blood cells and kidneys when it enters the body. Even minor quantities of lead may cause severe health complications, and young children are particularly at risk for its damaging effects on the nervous system. Long-term exposure can lead to ongoing health problems, whereas short-term exposure can cause swift and severe health consequences.

The tale, however, is not just one of peril but also of triumph – of how our neighbour, Bangladesh, purged the poison from its turmeric, and what we must do to protect our families, as shown by the Economist.

The transformation in Bangladesh began with research, continued with government will and was championed by the people. With the support of Stanford University and local partners, the nation’s commitment to cleansing its turmeric has been nothing short of revolutionary, the magazine notes.

Through high-profile raids and strategic awareness campaigns, it turned a toxic market into a beacon of purity, effectively drawing down the poison from its people’s blood.

What’s more striking is the cost of this life-saving transformation – merely a dollar per year for each life, in stark contrast to more costly interventions, the magazine points out. It is a testament to the power of prevention and the value of health over wealth.

India, as the leading turmeric producer, bears a responsibility and has an opportunity. In 2010, authorities discovered over 100 bags of contaminated turmeric, according to The Times of India.

We are not merely discussing a national or regional issue but a question of global food safety. Studies in the U.S. show that turmeric imported from India and neighbouring countries harbours high concentrations of lead – a direct result of regulatory lapses.

What can be done? For starters, every household can arm itself with simple tests.

To check for chemicals in turmeric powder at home, stir a teaspoon of the powder into water. If it sinks to the bottom and the water becomes a light yellow, the turmeric is likely pure. If the powder colours the water a deep yellow instead, it may be adulterated.

But these home tests are mere band-aids on a systemic wound. The true remedy lies in collective action.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which comes under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is responsible for ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food products in the country.

Many Indians could be consuming food that is potentially more harmful to their health than they realise, according to the 2022-23 State Food Safety Index, released by the FSSAI, as reported by Business Standard. The report indicated an overall drop in the food safety ratings over the last five years.

While maintaining ratings is essential, taking firm action against food adulteration is equally crucial.

Bangladesh’s blueprint for change – a synergy of international research, effective NGOs, proactive governance and media advocacy – is a model for all. It’s a call to embrace transparency, enforce stringent quality controls and promote ethical practices.

It is a matter of fundamental human rights – the right to health, to safety, and to a future untainted by preventable harm.