Category: Healthcare

Horlicks drops ‘health’ label, changes to ‘functional nutritional drink’; know the difference

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hindustan Unilever (HUL), the owner of Horlicks and Boost, has rebranded its ‘health food drinks’ category to ‘functional nutritional drinks’ (FND), following the recent regulatory changes in the health drinks category.

This comes after the Ministry of Commerce and Industry ordered all e-commerce platforms to remove drinks and beverages from the ‘healthy drinks’ category.

“NCPCR, a statutory body constituted under section (3) of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 after its inquiry under Section 14 of CPCR Act, 2005, concluded that there is no Health Drink defined under FSS Act 2006, Rules and regulations as submitted by FSSAl and Mondelez India Food Pvt Ltd,” read the notification issued by the ministry on April 10.

Further, it stated that “all e-commerce companies/portals are hereby advised to remove drink/beverages, including Bournvita from the category of ‘health drinks’ from their sites/platforms.”

On April 24, Ritesh Tiwari, the chief financial officer of Hindustan Unilever, said, “We have changed the labels of the category to FND which is a much better way to call it.”

Tiwari noted the FND category is under-penetrated, so there is a big opportunity for growth in the same. He added that the company would focus on increasing customers and usage and giving more benefits to them to upgrade in the FND category.

Difference between health drinks and functional nutritional drinks

For years in India, malt-based beverages have been popularly referred to as health drinks. These products enhance the taste of milk, besides offering some nutritional benefits.

On April 2, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) asked e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure appropriate categorisation of the food products which are sold on their respective websites. The move came after it noted instances of dairy-based beverage mixes, cereal-based beverage mixes or malt-based beverages, which are licensed under ‘Proprietary Food’, being sold on e-commerce websites under categories like ‘Health Drink’, ‘Energy Drink’ and others.

It clarified that the term ‘Health Drink’ is not defined or standardised anywhere under the FSS Act 2006 or in the rules/regulations made thereunder.

According to FSSAI, the term ‘Energy’ drinks is permitted to be used only for products that are licensed under Food Category System (FCS) 14.1.4.1 and 14.1.4.2 (Carbonated and Non-carbonated water-based flavoured drinks), standardised under sub-regulation 2.10.6 (2) of Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulations 2011 (Caffeinated Beverage).

Proprietary Foods are food items not standardised under various FSSAI regulations but use standardised ingredients.

The reason behind the decision was to “enhance clarity and transparency regarding the nature and functional properties of the products,” the statement said.

FSSAI wants to ensure that consumers can make well-informed choices while buying a product without encountering misleading information.

This comes amid ongoing debates regarding the sugar levels in popular malt-based beverages being sold in the country.

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World Malaria Day 2024: Causes, symptoms, precautions and more

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World Malaria Day is celebrated every year on April 25 to raise awareness about the control and prevention of this disease. On World Malaria Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) will be addressing obstacles to health equity, gender equality, and human rights in malaria responses globally, along with practical steps to overcome them, alongside the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners.

According to WHO, World Malaria Day aims to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to its prevention and control. It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007.

The WHO reports that although there has been progress in decreasing malaria cases, far too many individuals remain at high risk of contracting the illness. The most vulnerable groups continue to be disproportionately impacted including pregnant women, newborns, children under five, refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons, and Indigenous Peoples.

As per the reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malaria kill over 600,000 people around the world in 2021, mostly young children.

According to the reports from WMR 2019, 3% of the world’s malaria cases are in India. Despite being the highest malaria burden country of the SEA region, India showed a reduction in reported malaria cases of 49% and deaths of 50.5% compared with 2017. India has made remarkable progress during recent years in reducing malaria and has a vision of a malaria-free country by 2027 and elimination by 2030.

Theme

The theme for this year is “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.” The day highlights the efforts to end the disease from the root and to educate people to prevent its spread.

Causes of Malaria

The deadly mosquito-borne disease is caused by the Plasmodium parasites that spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The five parasitic species, P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi are responsible for the disease. The first are specific for humans while the last one P. knowlesi spreads the illness in macaques and monkeys.

Symptoms and Transmission

The common symptoms that usually begin within 10-15 days after the bite and include fever, headache and chills but the people from the endemic areas, may not experience any symptoms because of their immunity.

Only mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes can transmit malaria which is not communicable and cannot pass from one person to another. The female mosquitoes Anopheles come in more than 400 species, of which about 40 are considered vector species and are capable of spreading the disease.

Prevention and Treatment

Malaria can be prevented with proven tools and methods like bed nets, insecticide spraying, staying indoors, keeping your surroundings clean and many more ways. Early diagnosis and complete treatment of malaria prevent its transmission.

According to WHO, World Malaria Day aims to reduce the impact of malaria in the following ways:

Ending discrimination and stigma.

Engaging communities in health decision-making.

Bringing health care close to where people live and work through primary health care.

Addressing factors that increase malaria risk.

Including malaria control interventions in universal health coverage.

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Is packaged food safe? Experts weigh in

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Concerns about the safety of packaged foods have escalated following a report on added sugar in infant food..

The matter has spurred increased consumer awareness and online activism about unhealthy ingredients in products labeled as healthy, including Bournvita and Horlicks.

Even Indian spices are facing scrutiny from regulators in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore.

According to Shashank Mehta, Founder and CEO of Whole Truth Foods, the use of chemicals and preservatives in food is largely driven by cost considerations and the need for wide distribution.

“As India is a very large complex and a very price-conscious market, one needs a shelf life of 15-20 months with a price of ₹10. Achieving that with real food is tough and chemicals become the answer to doing that, to reducing price – you don’t want to put real blueberries, put blueberry flavour in your food,” he said.

Also Read | FSSAI to conduct a broader quality check on spices brands amid MDH, Everest scrutiny: Sources

Ashwin Bhadri, Founder of Equinox Labs says the challenge is some chemicals like Ethylene Oxide (ETO) are used for the sterilisation of spices. “Until there is no ban on it, it is going to continue to be used because it is very cost-effective. The problem with ETO is that it is not treated properly and remnants of it can stay in the product,” he said.

However, he says, the brand cannot be blamed since ETO is done by a third party before getting supplied to a different country. “So in this case, a lot of weightage would fall back on the third party but it also falls on the regulators,” Bhadri added.

Also Read | Contamination and regulation gaps in Indian household products

The penalties for this have to be a little harsher, he notes.

Suhasini Sampath, Founder of YogaBar thinks where things need to be tighter is how a company advertises its product. “Is there a sort of censor board to what companies can tell consumers?” she said.

She believes the regulations need to be tighter on three things, first is what is being advertised, second is what are companies defining as health norms and what people can term as health and third is what are the things that one will keep out of a label.

“If we have a stronger framework around these three things, we will see consumers benefit in the long-term,” she stated.

Dr Niti Krishna Raizada, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Group of Hospitals stated, “Historically we have proven that chemicals are linked to cancer, starting from alcohol and tobacco, which we all have been talking for almost five decades that this can cause cancer. Yes, there has been an increase, but we cannot actually quantify the increase because of these chemical exposures. But overall, the number of cancers has increased and we know that cancer is a lifestyle disease- acquiring more westernised lifestyle, having more processed food has increased the rate of cancer.”

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Remnants of bird flu virus found in pasteurised milk, FDA says

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that samples of pasteurised milk had tested positive for remnants of the bird flu virus that has infected dairy cows.

The agency stressed that the material is inactivated and that the findings “do not represent actual virus that may be a risk to consumers.” Officials added that they’re continuing to study the issue.

“To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe,” the FDA said in a statement.

The announcement comes nearly a month after an avian influenza virus that has sickened millions of wild and commercial birds in recent years was detected in dairy cows in at least eight states. The Agriculture Department says 33 herds have been affected to date.

FDA officials didn’t indicate how many samples they tested or where they were obtained. The agency has been evaluating milk during processing and from grocery stores, officials said. Results of additional tests are expected in “the next few days to weeks.”

The PCR lab test the FDA used would have detected viral genetic material even after live virus was killed by pasteurisation, or heat treatment, said Lee-Ann Jaykus, an emeritus food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University

“There is no evidence to date that this is infectious virus and the FDA is following up on that,” Jaykus said.

Officials with the FDA and the USDA had previously said milk from affected cattle did not enter the commercial supply. Milk from sick animals is supposed to be diverted and destroyed. Federal regulations require milk that enters interstate commerce to be pasteurised.

Also Read: Breast cancer to result in a million deaths a year by 2040, says Lancet commission

Because the detection of the bird flu virus known as Type A H5N1 in dairy cattle is new and the situation is evolving, no studies on the effects of pasteurisation on the virus have been completed, FDA officials said. But past research shows that pasteurisation is “very likely” to inactivate heat-sensitive viruses like H5N1, the agency added.

Matt Herrick, a spokesman for the International Dairy Foods Association, said that time and temperature regulations for pasteurisation ensure that the commercial U.S. milk supply is safe. Remnants of the virus “have zero impact on human health,” he wrote in an email.

Scientists confirmed the H5N1 virus in dairy cows in March after weeks of reports that cows in Texas were suffering from a mysterious malady. The cows were lethargic and saw a dramatic reduction in milk production. Although the H5N1 virus is lethal to commercial poultry, most infected cattle seem to recover within two weeks, experts said.

To date, two people in U.S. have been infected with bird flu. A Texas dairy worker who was in close contact with an infected cow recently developed a mild eye infection and has recovered. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program caught it while killing infected birds at a Colorado poultry farm. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.

Also Read: Contamination and regulation gaps in Indian household products

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Zydus Life falls nearly 4% after its Jarod manufacturing site gets 10 observations from USFDA

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Zydus Life shares declined on Wednesday, April 24, after the company said its injectable manufacturing site in Jarod, near Vadodara in Gujarat, received 10 observations from the USFDA.

The USFDA had conducted the inspection of the facility from April 15 to April 23 and concluded it with 10 observations. “The company will closely work with the USFDA to address and respond to the observations in an expeditious manner,” it stated in a stock exchange filing.

On another note, earlier this week, the pharma company said it had launched a tablet for the treatment of overactive bladder — Mirabegron Extended-Release tablets, 25 mg — in the US market.

“Mirabegron is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency,” the company said in a stock exchange filing.

The tablet will be manufactured at the company’s formulation manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad SEZ in India.

The stock was down 3.72% at ₹923.8 apiece at 10 am on Aoril 24.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Contamination and regulation gaps in Indian household products

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A series of concerning incidents involving commonly used FMCG household products have recently emerged in India. These include Cadbury’s Bournvita losing its ‘health drink’ designation and an inquiry initiated by the FSSAI into reports of high sugar levels in Nestle’s baby food. Furthermore, Singapore and Hong Kong have taken action against the sale of Indian spice brands MDH and Everest.

The baby product issue revolves around the permissible sugar content and adherence to Indian guidelines. Nestle asserts its Indian-manufactured products comply fully with international and local standards, including sugar levels.

Spice contamination: Ethylene Oxide allegations

More concerning, experts suggest, is the prohibition on MDH and Everest in Singapore and Hong Kong, due to allegations of the carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide found in several spice mixes. For instance, Hong Kong’s food regulator, The Centre For Food Safety, detected ethylene oxide in three MDH spice mixes. Singapore’s Food Agency ordered a recall of Everest’s ‘Everest fish curry masala’ for the same reason.

These companies have faced regulatory actions before. In 2023, the US FDA recalled Everest’s Sambhar and Garam Masala for salmonella, and in 2019, MDH’s Sambhar Masala faced a similar recall.

What is Ethylene oxide?

Ethylene oxide, classified as a known human carcinogen, is used in small amounts as a pesticide and sterilising agent in some countries. It’s banned as a fumigant and pesticide in the EU since 1991. The US has indicated certain pesticides will contain the substance.

Singapore has indicated ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not authorised for use in food, it is however allowed to be used in the sterilisation of spices. Hong Kong regulations prohibit the sale of food containing pesticide residues exceeding safe limits.

While the cause of exceeding pesticide limits must be investigated, the FSSAI plans to test samples from all brands, as ethylene oxide isn’t permitted in Indian food products.

Experts point out that one needs to be aware of the incidents of contamination of Indian household products. Earlier reports have highlighted everyday items like bread and sanitary pads containing harmful chemicals. Big brands such as Nestle have also faced the heat when their brand Maggi was banned due to allegations of unacceptable amounts of lead and other components.

Reports of Patanjali’s ghee failing safety tests and recent allegations of Dabur’s honey being contaminated also surfaced. It is important to note companies have refuted and these denied allegations.

Factors contributing to contamination

So, the key question is how do these cancer-causing substances, heavy metals make their way onto our houses and everyday lives?

Experts say the reason for harmful substances making their way into consumer products is due to factors such as the assumption that safety checks are in place by companies and especially due to the lack of laws or regulations on what the products contain and whether certain ingredients in the products are even in the permissible limits.

Also, many times chemicals and cancer-causing substances are not intentionally added but can form during preparation and processing.

When it comes to India, experts point out that interestingly some of the products which have now been discontinued in other major markets such as the US due to contamination concerns continue to be sold in the country. Experts say India lacks strong consumer activism and a legal framework which is a driving force of these litigations in countries such as the US.

Lastly, the need of the hour experts point out is for increased regulation on consumer products this ranges from regular company-level testing, standardisation of consumer goods by a regulated body and strong and continuous vigilance from government bodies.

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Spice brands MDH and Everest Group under scrutiny: What is ethylene oxide and how harmful is it?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In response to Hong Kong’s recent ban on certain products from popular Indian spice brands MDH and Everest Group due to alleged contamination with a cancer-causing pesticide, India’s food safety regulator is gearing up for quality checks. The ban has raised significant alarm, prompting officials to take swift action to ensure the safety of consumers.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Indian official revealed that inspections would be conducted to test for the presence of ethylene oxide, a harmful pesticide deemed unfit for human consumption. This move comes in the wake of mounting concerns over the potential health risks posed by contaminated spice products.

Suparna Mukherjee, Charge of Clinical Nutrition, Narayana Health City, Bangalore, expressed deep concern over the findings. She highlighted the toxicity of ethylene oxide, emphasizing its classification as a top-level carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Mukherjee underscored the heightened risk of cancer associated with prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide through contaminated food products, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Dr. Priyanshu Choudhary, Consultant Medical Oncology, Ivy Hospital Mohali, reiterated the gravity of the situation. He emphasized that ethylene oxide has been classified as a known human carcinogen by both the IARC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Choudhary highlighted the types of cancers most commonly associated with ethylene oxide exposure, including lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer, often stemming from occupational hazards or product sterilization processes.

The concerns raised by experts serve as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent food safety regulations to safeguard public health. As investigations unfold and regulatory measures are implemented, consumers are urged to exercise caution, particularly those in high-risk groups. The need for vigilance in monitoring food safety standards is paramount to prevent potential health hazards associated with the consumption of contaminated products.

In light of these developments, it is imperative for authorities to take proactive steps to address the issue and ensure the integrity of the food supply chain. Only through collective efforts can we mitigate the risks posed by harmful contaminants and uphold the well-being of consumers.

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What is auto-brewery syndrome? Know symptoms

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Belgian man, accused of drunk driving, was acquitted of all the charges on Monday. His lawyer, Anse Ghesquiere, told the court that the man had a condition in which the body naturally produced alcohol. He also stated that just 20 people in the world have been officially diagnosed with the condition. Three doctors examined the man and confirmed the disease. The court mentioned that the man was not intoxicated while driving.

What is auto-brewery syndrome?

Auto brewery syndrome is a rare medical condition that makes a person intoxicated without consuming alcohol. It is also known as gut fermentation syndrome and endogenous ethanol fermentation. The medical condition is also sometimes called “drunkenness disease.” The rare syndrome was first recorded in Japan in the 1970s.

This syndrome happens when the body turns any kind of sugary foods or carbohydrates into alcohol. It is mainly caused by the presence of a high amount of yeast in the stomach. The medical condition is very difficult to diagnose as there are no proper medications for the disease.

There are very few cases of the auto-brewery syndrome around the globe. Researchers are yet to discover the real cause behind the medical condition.

Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome:

People suffering from the syndrome can witness red patches on the skin.

Affected people often experience dizziness.

A person may experience severe headaches due to the syndrome.

Nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms often experienced by patients.

The body of the patient gets dehydrated frequently leading to various other health issues.

People suffering from the condition may face loss of memory and other concentration issues.

Body fatigue is another very common symptom experienced by people having auto-brewery syndrome.

People often experience mood swings due to their medical condition.

Auto brewery syndrome can also attract other diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Types of yeast that might cause auto-brewery syndrome:

Candida albicans.

Candida glabrata.

Torulopsis glabrata.

Candida krusei.

Candida kefyr.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer’s yeast).

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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FSSAI orders probe against Nestle and other baby food manufacturers, say sources

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Amid reports of Nestle selling baby food products with higher sugar content in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered a detailed probe to assess the alleged violation, sources told CNBC-TV18.

Scientific committee is examining the matter and a report of the committee is expected in a month’s time, according to sources. Following the report, FSSAI will evaluate the action to be taken.

Meanwhile, not just Nestle, all other brands selling baby food and formula milk are under India’s food and safety regulator’s scanner. Sources added that FSSAI has ordered a probe against all brands or companies selling baby food and infant formula milk, to assess whether norms are being adhered to or not.

All the brands that sell infant formula milk and baby food available in the market will be examined and strict action will be taken against those who are not adhering to the prescribed guidelines, sources added.

After reports alleging of baby food sold by Nestle in India having additional sugar content and not as per global norms, Union Consumer Affairs Ministry had asked FSSAI to “initiate appropriate action” against the company.

In a letter to the FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao on April 18, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said, “As per the news reports, Public Eye, an investigation agency based in Switzerland has published a report highlighting concerning findings about Nestle’s manufacturing practices in India. According to the report, Nestle has been alleged to add 2.7g of sugar per serving to Nestle Cerelac baby cereals sold in India while refraining from such practices in other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France and UK.”

According to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations 2020, the percentage of lactose and glucose shouldn’t exceed 20%.

According to guidelines, lactose and glucose polymers shall be the preferred carbohydrates for food for infant nutrition. Sucrose and/or fructose shall not be added, unless needed as a carbohydrates source, and provided the sum of these does not exceed 20% of total carbohydrate, the guidelines added.

However, Nestle India last week issued a clarification responding to the recent controversy surrounding the sugar content in its Cerelac baby food products with a clarification.

“We would like to assure you that our infant cereal products are manufactured to ensure the appropriate delivery of nutritional requirements such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, iron etc. for early childhood.” Nestle India said.

The company said that they never compromise and will never compromise on the nutritional qualities of the products. To enhance the nutritional profile of their products, the company constantly leverages its global research and development network.

“Reduction of added sugars is a priority for Nestlé India. Over the past 5 years, we have already reduced added sugars by up to 30%, depending on the variant. We regularly review our portfolio and continue to innovate and reformulate our products to further reduce the level of added sugars, without compromising on nutrition, quality, safety, and taste.” Nestle India added.

“We always encourage to minimise the percentage of sugar every few days. We also run state connect and interact programs with business associations for good manufacturing practices.” Nestle India said.

The controversy came to the fore when a report was released by a Swiss NGO – the Public Eye and International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), claiming that Nestle’s baby food products sold in India, as well as in African and Latin-American countries, have higher sugar-products sold in European markets. 

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Why these two modern-day challenges need urgent attention

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Childhood obesity and social media addiction are two modern-day challenges that demand urgent attention, points out Dr. Anupam Sibal, a paediatric gastroenterologist and Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospitals Group. 

 Prevalence of Child Obesity

Referring to a survey conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic by Apollo Hospitals Group on child obesity in 5 to 10-year-old school children in South Delhi, Dr Sibal says the findings were alarming. This survey found that 15% of children were overweight, and 4.9% were classified as obese. Even more concerning was the discovery that 19% of children with normal weight had fatty livers, while a 45% of overweight children had the same condition.

Dr. Sibal identifies unhealthy snacking habits and the availability of junk food in school canteens as major contributors to the rise in childhood obesity. The pandemic according to him exacerbated sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits with the incidence of obesity increasing post-COVID-19.

 Perils of Social Media Addiction

In addition to obesity, Dr. Sibal highlights the detrimental effects of social media addiction on children’s health and well-being. He observes a concerning trend of even 4 to 5-year-olds spending excessive time on smartphones, leading to adverse effects on their eyesight. The shift to online schooling during the pandemic further intensified screen time, raising concerns about parental control and healthy communication within families.

Dr. Sibal advocates for strict guidelines on screen time, recommending no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 years. He underscores the importance of parental involvement and fostering open communication with children from a young age. Failure to engage with children can lead them to seek advice and validation from social media platforms, exacerbating feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.

 Addressing Child Obesity with Lifestyle Changes

Dr. Sibal emphasised the need for a holistic approach to combat child obesity, involving the entire family in adopting healthier lifestyles. He stresses the importance of parental buy-in and active participation in programs aimed at promoting weight loss in children. By fostering a supportive environment at home and encouraging healthier eating habits and physical activity, families can effectively address the challenges of childhood obesity.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow