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Journalism of Courage
Multiple reports allege that many passengers were recently served expired biscuits during a three-hour flight delay. The incident happened when a Nagpur to Indore flight was delayed for operational reasons.
Taking a cue from the case, let’s understand how expired biscuits can cause concern.
Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi shared that eating expired biscuits can expose the body to potential health risks due to contamination and spoilage.
“Short-term effects may include food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or mould. Some individuals might also experience allergic reactions such as hives, itching, or swelling,” said Dr Singhla.
Long-term risks, according to Dr Singhla, include gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as an increased likelihood of infections from pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli.
Dr Singhla said that expired biscuits may lose nutritional value, potentially leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
“Factors such as the type of biscuit, storage conditions, and individual health can influence the severity of these effects. Therefore, it’s best to avoid expired biscuits and monitor for symptoms if consumed,” said Dr Singhla.
Anyone experiencing persistent digestive issues should consult a gastroenterologist for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Always pay attention to food labels and choose fresh products. These should be consumed before expiry. Also, choose foods that are low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, said Dr Singhla.
When reading labels, it is essential to distinguish between terms. In an earlier conversation, Dr Pooja Aggarwal, senior consultant, dermatology, Artemis Hospitals told indianexpress.com that while “best before” dates usually relate to the quality of the product, such as taste and texture, and are often found on non-perishable items like canned goods and snacks, “use by” and “expiry” dates are more critical as they relate to safety, particularly for perishable items like dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals.
“These items should not be consumed or used past their indicated dates to avoid health risks,” said Dr Aggarwal.
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.
