Shocking find: Homemade chilli powder has pesticides, but store-bought doesn’t—here’s why!

In a shocking twist, the presence of pesticides wasn’t found in store bought packet chilli powder, but they were detected in freshly ground homemade chilli powder. This incident was revealed at a workshop conducted by the Kerala Food Safety Department in Kollam recently.

Dr T S Aneesh, professor of community medicine at Kozhikode Medical College, explained that most people grind chillies without removing the stalk, which is a major reason for pesticide presence in homemade chilli powder.

Tapioca quality improves; keto diet not advisable for children
Meanwhile, experts at the workshop noted that the quality of tapioca has significantly improved. The variety containing toxins harmful to the kidney and liver is no longer available in the market.

The workshop also cautioned that the keto diet is not suitable for children. Dr Anitha Mohan, nutrition program officer at the Directorate of Health, pointed out that cooking techniques and eating habits have changed drastically over the past two decades due to shifting job patterns. She emphasized that eating the right amount of food at the right time is essential for good health.

Balanced meals and food safety measures stressed
Teenagers, she advised, should have a proper breakfast instead of just snacks. A well-balanced plate should include half vegetables and only one-fourth rice.

A K Mini, retired enforcement joint commissioner of food safety, stressed the need for collective action to ensure food safety. She urged for strict and regular inspections of farming methods, production, storage, and distribution.

Meanwhile, a project aimed at reducing vanaspati consumption by 2% by 2026 has already begun. Currently, eateries are allowed to use vanaspati up to 5% in their products.

Dr A H Shamsiya, assistant professor at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sadanandapuram, clarified that only new-generation pesticides are approved for farming by agricultural universities.

Workshop highlights food culture transformation
The workshop was inaugurated by district collector N Devidas and presided over by food safety assistant commissioner T S Vinod Kumar. Other speakers included district supply officer S O Bindu, district Kudumbasree Mission coordinator R Vimal Chandran, district Women and Children Development officer P Biji, medical officer Dr Divya, and nodal food safety officer A Aneesh.

The event was part of Eat Right India, an initiative by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to promote safe, healthy, and sustainable food habits. The workshop also featured poster designing contests, cooking competitions using millets, millet exhibitions, and cultural programs.

Diabetes patients can eat bananas—but with caution
Dr T S Aneesh clarified that diabetes patients can eat bananas, but the quantity and timing are crucial. He advised that bananas should not be consumed with main meals but as a mid-day snack.

He also debunked common misconceptions about food, blaming "WhatsApp University" for spreading false information and pseudo-science.

Dr Aneesh challenged the idea that the traditional Kerala sadya is a balanced meal. He encouraged vegetarians to include milk and curd in their diet. While acknowledging that porotta is deeply rooted in Kerala’s food culture, he emphasized the need to educate children about its unhealthy nature.

Pesticide found in curry leaves and chillies
The doctor also addressed concerns about pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables. He revealed that a recent test found no pesticide presence in apples, but ten different pesticides were detected in curry leaves. Additionally, traces of pesticides were found in chillies.

He advised consumers to wash vegetables thoroughly before cooking to minimize pesticide exposure.