📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Karnataka health department recently banned plastic sheets for steaming idlis across the state’s hotels, restaurants and food vendors amid concerns that the toxic chemicals in plastic could pose health risks including cancer. The health department has asked for a switch to safer alternatives such as steel plates or banana leaves. “Our Health Department has banned plastic sheets for steaming idlis in hotels across Karnataka. Toxic chemicals from plastic can leach into food, posing serious health risks, including cancer. Hotels must immediately stop using plastic & switch to safer alternatives like steel plates or banana leaves. Strict action will be taken against violators, public health is non-negotiable! If you spot plastic being used in food preparation, report it! Let’s ensure safe, healthy food for all,” Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka health minister, wrote on X.
As such, let’s understand how plastic sheets pose a risk.
Using plastic sheets to steam idlis poses significant health risks due to the potential release of harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
“When exposed to heat, these plastics can leach these chemicals into the food, which are known endocrine disruptors linked to serious health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems,” said Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator.
Microplastics and nanoplastics enter the food chain through the crops we eat, the livestock we raise, and the seafood we catch, said Dr Vinit Banga, director-neurology, Fortis Hospital,Faridabad. “Many of these chemicals may be classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with normal hormonal function and hence may increase the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Such plastic-derived toxins have been associated with long-term visits to oxidative stress and DNA damage that might lead to the act of carcinogenesis,” said Dr Banga.
To avoid such chemical contamination and support a healthier lifestyle, opting for safer and more sustainable alternatives is advisable.
“Cotton cloth, for instance, is a traditional and non-reactive option that does not leach chemicals into food, thereby preserving the nutritional value of idlis. Another eco-friendly choice is banana leaves, which prevent chemical contamination and impart a unique flavour to idlis. Additionally, banana leaves are biodegradable and compostable, aligning with sustainable practices,” added Malhotra.
Steel plates are another viable option; they are durable, easy to clean, and non-reactive, making them safe for steaming idlis without any risk of chemical leaching. “By choosing these alternatives, individuals can ensure that their idlis remain nutritious while contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. This approach not only safeguards health by minimising exposure to harmful chemicals but also promotes eco-friendly habits by reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of biodegradable materials,” said Malhotra.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
