Bhubaneswar: Health experts have raised concerns over the practice of placing thin plastic sheets beneath hot breakfast and street food items, warning that the materials may release toxic chemicals when exposed to heat.
According to experts, many of these plastic sheets are made from recycled or low-grade materials that can contain harmful substances such as dioxins and other toxic compounds. When hot food comes into contact with such plastics, these chemicals may leach into the food.
Medical professionals caution that prolonged consumption of contaminated food can lead to digestive disorders and may increase the risk of serious illnesses, including stomach and liver cancer.
The Berhampur Municipal Corporation has advised vendors and consumers to shift to safer alternatives such as sal leaves and banana leaves for food serving and packaging. Authorities are also planning awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement measures against the use of hazardous materials in food handling.
Officials noted that recent incidents involving unsafe food practices in different states have highlighted broader concerns around food safety, underlining the need for stronger monitoring and public awareness initiatives.
-OdishaAge
