This situation not only causes confusion for consumers but also poses a potential risk of food insecurity, especially when chemicals are used improperly.
According to recommendations from experts, one of the substances that is often abused is Sodium Metabisulfite (industrial salt) and colorants to "deceive" buyers' eyes. These are additives that are not allowed or are only used in very limited doses in food. When used for the wrong purpose or exceeding the permitted limit, these substances can have negative effects on health, especially when consumers use them regularly or for a long time.
BS.CKI. Le Thuan Linh - Head of Nutrition Department, Thu Duc General Hospital said that eating foods containing sulfite can cause many digestive disorders such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea. More worryingly, some cases may experience allergic reactions, bronchial constriction, shortness of breath, especially in people with allergic constitutions or bronchial asthma. “If sulfite exposure is prolonged, the risk of damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and long-term health effects is something that cannot be underestimated,” the doctor warned.
According to medical experts, children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases such as liver, kidney, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases are groups more susceptible to severe effects when using unsafe food. In these subjects, even a small amount of residual chemicals can cause serious complications.
To limit the risk of buying and using "fake" meat, health authorities recommend that people be cautious in choosing food. Accordingly, they should only buy meat at reputable establishments with clear origins and quarantine; be wary of beef with unusually cheap prices, unnatural dark red color or strange smells. Food needs to be cooked thoroughly, absolutely not eaten raw, especially ground meat or pre-marinated meat.
In addition, properly preserving meat, avoiding letting meat live at room temperature for too long, and limiting the use of processed foods of unknown origin are also important measures to protect health.
When abnormal signs appear after eating such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, urticaria, people need to go for an early check-up to be diagnosed and treated promptly.
Doctors emphasized that proactively choosing safe food is not only the responsibility of management agencies but also the most practical way for each family to protect their health from potential risks from dirty food and fake food.
