Jamshedpur: Food prepared at road-side eateries or upscale restaurants often compromise on health for profitable balance sheet. This is relevant for Jamshedpur and other parts of the state. This was said by city-based pediatrician Dr Joy Bhaduri.
Speaking to TOI on food quality, Indian Medical Association (Jamshedpur) treasurer said, “Surprise checks by govt agencies should be conducted throughout the year, and not only during the festive season.It concerns the health of common man, which should be on top of govt list.”

He added, “The oil is always compromised. Palm oil, which is one of the cheapest cooking oils, is mostly used by both road-side eating joints and restaurants. It is very difficult for customers to know exactly which oil is being used by the cook.”
Dr Bhaduri said, “Palm oils, dalda and other cheap vegetable oils have high cholesterol content which is extremely bad for the heart. Such oils are not only being used by eateries but also in branded packaged food like chips, which are regularly being consumed in many homes. It is one of the prime causes for rise in heart attack cases, even in lower age group men and women.”
He added, “Re-used oils are openly and widely used by nearly all hotels, which is not only bad for the heart but also carcinogenic. But food lovers are stepping into this unhealthy trap mostly unknowingly.”
Dr Bhaduri further said, “Usage of monosodium glutamate (MSG) commonly known as ajinomoto in food preparation has been banned for many years now, but most food stall owners use it to make their food taste better in a cheaper way.”
He said, “Awareness about health and eating habits is very poor in our country. Even parents don't care to know about the food product they are purchasing for their kids. Child obesity and health related issues which come along with this are not being kept in mind while selecting food for tiffins or during outing. Fast food is attracting all age groups,” said Dr Bhaduri, adding the spices used are also often cheap and sub-standard, which can have bad effects on health.
East Singhbhum food inspector Md Manzer said, "Manpower shortage greatly affects our work, as the number of food stalls and eating joints are in several thousands across Steel City only. There are only 20 officials in the department across the state. In East Singhbhum, only one official. Added force will surely boost our vigil over the quality of food served to people."
Advocate and RJD functionary Sudhir Kumar Pappu said, “Govt should formulate regulations to keep a tab on the sharp multiplication of road-side food stalls across the length and breadth of Jamshedpur, most of which are illegal."
As per Sonari police station records, there are 360 such illegal stalls under its jurisdiction.