Of
recent, too much of news about banning a food product that had captured the
market over decades, is been aired up in the media channels. The unfounded
concerns, which were supposed to be the quality of the product, is now
considered hazardous, harmful, not safe for human consumption. Etc... The
protests arise from different points; the blame is shouldered upon various
bodies. Chaos, fear of ill health, anything and everything is around the
Society, now.
Keeping
aside, the taste or other issues that is been already trashed well by the media
persons in the name of prime time discussion or arguments, let me pen down MY
views on this issue.
To start
with the “Moral” responsibilities of the actors and actress who has acted in
the advertisements, frankly spill the bean out, have you ever taken a decision
just because Mr.Amitab or Ms.Radhika have vouched for or have you not opted for
the same just because these “celebrities” did not vouch for ? it looks sheer
nonsense to comment on the “Humans” who have acted for the ads, for, it is
their “Profession” to earn their bread! They need not be aware of the
ingredients, make and statement of consumption and all those, which sounds crap
for them! I am sure, acting mite sound odd for teachers, teaching – bizarre for
lawyers, arguing – strange for drivers, etc. every profession has its own
trademark cultures and habits!
I would
agree to the fact that those people who are seen extolling the “Quality” of the
product should be aware of what it is, because, it is their moral
responsibility. But why are the commons, being carried away? There is very less
accountability that is visible in India as far as food and safety is concerned.
It is only after fatal incidents that one opens their eyes...and Nestle is one
such incident.
So who
are to be blamed? Well, first, if at all, someone is to be blamed, in my point
of view, here is the hierarchy. Primarily, the scientists/inventors who have
“Formulated” a ‘Edible”, “Food” substance, without keeping in considerations,
the rules and safety standards. The only responsible community would be the
scientific community, who need to be questioned for the formulation! ( I very
well remember, I belong to the same community, as well.) Second, the testing
authorities, who have granted permissions for manufacturing marketing and sales
of such “pre – cooked, Heated and dried” Products, which might be of low harm
to the health, are to be blamed/questioned or even arrested for that matter.
Vicariously, everyone in the team are liable – the Inventor, sponsored,
marketer, the analyser, regulatory authorities, everybody. The second level,
lower priority comes to the non technical people like the actors, models,
script writers etc,
However,
in this controversial chaos, the poor and pathetic situation of the consumers,
the common man, is worrying. It would be good if f at all we have a clear white
paper on the part of state governments to place a clear policy on tightening
their laws and enforcement on all food products....Needless to say, Much before
the noodles controversy came into light, coca - cola, Oreao, and few other
bread winning products for any brand, were concepted on their safety if
consumed. And, I, hailing from the scientific community, do worry much about
the robustness of the scientific researches, the validation of the data
published and concepted upon. For, these kind of incidents, pave a platform to
question “SCIENCE”, “Education” and ‘”Research” !
P.S, Sorry, my dear Scientific Community, for being so blunt !
