Banning sale of Maggi noodles on the basis of high content of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) an additive used for seasoning seems quite logical. But what about other foods and drinks which have organ damaging chemicals if consumed in excess or continuously for a long duration? The way State Govt is creating hoarse and panic it looks as if the fast food is the most harmful one if consumed by the people. Above all some obscure political outfit staging protest by damaging large quantity of these food item looks quite stupid and speaks about the half knowledge these leaders carry about it. Seeing the concern Govt should also ban all the street food sold, which everyone knows, have no health and hygiene standards. Till date no one has heard dying of eating noodles of this brand or ‘Maggi poisioning’. There have been cases of food poisoning during functions or children getting sick after taking mid-day meal in schools. The only logic one can see out of such a negative hype against the product is the 70 per cent market it commands in the fast food segment throughout the country and this is not the only product which has faced ire of market forces. As the controversy goes on some of the states like Bihar, Karnataka and Kerala have lifted the ban imposed on its sale after getting positive test reports. The convenience of instant noodles has of late changed the peoples’ food habits. For some it was full meal, make shift meal and for students and bachelors the nearby Dhaba a convenient point with two minute wonder. Agreed, Govt if is concerned about people’s health and not the economic-political compulsion then it should also ban all the street foods, sauces, pasta, potato chips, ice creams, chocolates, pre-packed food, aerated drinks because all these have some or the other preservatives which keeps its shelf life alive and improves the taste and flavour thus making them an instant success with all age groups. Let Govt also take care of lakhs of people who are directly or indirectly involved in this trade as the ban will leave them jobless. Is the Govt ready for such a humanitarian plan?
