[This article is primarily meant for Kolktanas, but goof 'general knowledge for all']

Eecently I came acroos a scoop(expose) in one Kolkata Tv regarding quality of foof in Kolkata. The journalists reported that several chemicals are being added during netting of batches of fish and to preserve and freshen them. While the poorly educated fishermen might not be aware of the nature of the chemicals,one has to avoid additives that have known side effects.

Same question came up while "freshening"up some vegetables with artifical colurs. Sometimes I had noticed white powerd in rice and daal (lentils) that are added as preservatives and to ward off insects. But I do not know what the additives are. If you are not used to drinking tea in earthen pots ("bhar') you might hate the powdery thing at the bottom of your bhar at times; it is just ash coming from the oven that made your bhar! Anyway locals are used to it and are using for time immemorial.

I Had one bad experience with a drink. It was yello or orange coloured. I gues that it was artificially flavoured. I got diarrohea. I have doubt regarding the yellowish hue once in a while you may find in milk (it is not badam milk power as they add in the south).

Best rule is to be conservative; some stick to organic food.

There is no reason for panic,; don't spoil the fun in your life, but eat healthy food.

SG
Kolkata,
June 11, 2016.