Dirty food and cancer risk

The continuous discovery of dirty and fake food in recent times has caused concern for many people and society. Not only does it affect the interests of consumers, dirty food also poses a serious health threat.

Recently, public opinion has been particularly concerned about cases related to dirty food such as fake milk, fake functional foods, fake drugs... flooding the market. These products pose many potential risks to health, even threatening life, especially when users trust and use them for a long time.

Fake foods pose many potential health risks, especially when used for a long time.

Photo: PH

Dirty food causes many consequences

According to Dr. Chu Thi Dung, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, dirty food not only causes acute diseases, but can also be a factor promoting the formation of cancer.

Toxic chemicals such as aflatoxin, nitrosamines, industrial dyes or formaldehyde have been classified as human carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international studies. WHO has identified many dietary factors and toxins that are associated with cancer risk, including:

Preservatives, additives, colorants, and flavorings that are abused can cause liver, stomach, and colon cancer.

Dioxin, aflatoxin, and nitrosamine in moldy or unsafely processed foods pose a risk of causing cancer.

In addition, Dr. Dung said, according to WHO, consuming food contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals, or banned substances can also cause many diseases such as:

• Acute food poisoning: Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fatigue.
• Gastrointestinal infections: Such as salmonella, E.coli, campylobacter, norovirus...
• Heavy metal accumulation: Metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can affect the kidneys, liver, and even the nervous system.
• Endocrine disorders: Due to residual hormones, antibiotics or chemicals in food.

Discussing the consequences of consuming fake foods on the market, Dr. Dung added: “Fake milk is often mixed with starch, chemicals for color, flavor and protein. If children consume fake milk for a certain period of time, they may suffer from malnutrition, digestive disorders and a very high risk of poisoning. In addition, vegetable candies that are “disguised” as candy for children often contain synthetic colorants and additives of unknown origin, which can cause cancer.”

In addition, there are also many fake functional foods that are advertised as having medicinal effects. According to doctors, many types contain steroids, stimulants or increase the consumer's blood sugar, causing more harm than good.

Metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium... have negative effects on the kidneys, liver and even the nervous system.

Illustration: AI

Prevention is better than cure

Dr. Dung said that the groups of people most vulnerable and affected by consuming dirty or poor quality food include:

Children : Susceptible to malnutrition and developmental disorders when consuming fake milk and contaminated food.

“Just a small amount of chemicals is enough to harm children, because children's immune systems are not as complete as those of adults,” said Dr. Dung.

Elderly : Susceptible to septic shock, rapid dehydration, and exhaustion if poisoned or have acute diarrhea.

Pregnant women: Risk of premature birth, miscarriage, and fetal malformations if eating foods containing heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

People with underlying diseases : Diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure... are susceptible to serious complications when poisoned.

From there, Dr. Dung gives advice on choosing and consuming food and products on the market to ensure health:

• Buy food of clear origin, certified safe.
• Avoid using expired, unlabeled, or unknown foods.
• Read product labels carefully, especially with dietary supplements.
• Educate children about the harmful effects of fake candy and fake milk.
• Screen people at risk when suspicious symptoms appear.

In particular, do not use drugs and functional foods without the recommendation of a medical professional.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuc-pham-ban-va-nguy-co-ung-thu-185250525222050042.htm