Lahore: City residents consuming toxic garlic and ginger

[LRE]

* Dr Masuab Umair says oxalic acid 10,000 times stronger than acetic acid
* Food DO says it is Agriculture Department’s job to deal with vegetables


LAHORE: City residents are consuming toxic garlic and ginger, as they are peeled and washed in oxalic acid, which cause several fatal diseases, Daily Times learnt on Saturday.

Around 50 houses situated at the New Sadat Colony Muslim Park are involved in this business. These houses produce around 100 kilogrammes (kgs) of garlic in oxalic acid per day.

People belonging to the area said this business was a nuisance, as the offensive odour produced from it makes it impossible to be at ease.

Sheikh Zayed Hospital Dr Masuab Umair said oxalic acid was a colourless, crystalline, toxic organic compound. He said oxalic acid was widely used for acid rinses for laundry. He said the acid removed all sorts of stains and rust from clothes as it converts most insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion. He said the acid was usually used for household products, such as Bar Keeper, bleach, rust proofing treatments, wood restorers, wheel cleaners and in dyes.

Stronger: He said it was a relatively strong organic acid, being about 10,000 times stronger than acetic acid. He said that it caused stomach ulcers, harmonic imbalances, which may damage the endocrine system and cause urine problems and disturb the digestive system. He said extensive consumption of food with oxalic acid could be problematic for people as it deprives the body of vital nutrients, such as calcium.

City District Government Lahore (CDGL) Deputy District Officer (DDO) Younis Zahid said he would send a team to check environmental nuisances in the area, adding that stern action would be taken against any illicit form of pollution.

Agriculture: Food District Officer (DO) Dr Masood Ashraf said it was not his department’s function to check on such vegetables, adding that it was the Agriculture Department’s duty to deal with vegetables. He said the Food Department’s new rules might have the necessary power to take action against such hazardous vegetables. He said the new food rules would soon be implemented across the city. Market Committee Member Dr Yousaf said the committee found around 30kgs of hazardous garlic at various Sunday bazaars each week. He said it appeared as if there were several women behind this, adding that mostly garlic was affected and not ginger.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg13_1