Written by: Bhavana.S and Rashmika.T
In this materialistic world nearly everything comes with price tags but since when our Indian market began to sell trash with price tags? This is a known case for a few, a disgrace for the others in the queue. We stand in queues getting our products billed, how many of it personates poison? Without any further ado let's dive in for some clear view.
We have included few of the items that are banned in other parts of the world but not in India. These are:
Lifebuoy soap: Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Flashing adds and finding its place here can be horrifying. Well, this is said to be hazardous, since it is harsh it is banned in the US and EU yet finds its place in our market. It is proven harmful to the human skin. On the other hand this soap is preferred for animals in some countries.
Red bull: The new cool among teens especially, who consume this energy drink despite its adverse effects such as heart problems, depression, hypertension etc. It has high caffeine content of about 30 mg per 100 g. It is banned in Denmark and France for the past 10 years and here we believe it gives us wings! Red bull’s sales amounted to be about 6.28 billion euros worldwide also it sold about one can per person living in the world in 2019.
Drugs: Drugs such as Disprin, D-cold, Nimesulide are officially banned in India as well, however it is still available in the leading chemist shops. Disprin was one the most common painkillers that came with life threatening side effects. D-cold caused acute kidney damage in the long run and Nimesulide left behind skin rash and severe diarrhea. So avoid these to avoid trouble.
Pesticides: After all pesticides? Yes, though India uses less pesticides some pesticides like Dimethoate, Malathion, Phosphamidon are officially banned in many countries but is still in use in India. Due to biological magnification these harmful chemicals enter into the plants and thereby affects us leading to some severe health problems like cancer. There are death records of farmers due to pesticide poisoning.
Honey: You must've not expected this sweet substance to bind with bitter truth. Sadly, some of our topmost honey brands such as Dabur, Himalaya, Patanjali, Baidyanath etc. are banned in few countries like the US and EU. These honey had high content of 6 harmful antibiotics in 11 samples when tested by scientists. Also Dabur honey has a dominant share of Rs.6 billion in the honey market. Honey never expires, why do you think these bottle come with best before dates, give it a thought!
Let's not turn a blind eye and invite issues. Studies show that Indians lack consumer knowledge. Anything and everything at low prices are most welcomed which shouldn't be the scenario anymore. Nonnative products, including those that are hazardous finds its way into our market as our rules are lenient. Not the time to blame, don't choose brands that hit fame, do not be gullible and choose wisely. Equip yourself with enough knowledge to know about the product you purchase - expiry date, ingredients, side effects etc. Eventually such products will get narrowed down and soon be flushed out of our market and that requires team effort.
The above mentioned products clearly deserve a 'danger' sign board. With over 1.37 billion people, India cannot serve the sale of neither the unfit nor the unworthy! We need to steer clear of this trash that comes in pretty packs with price tags for our personal welfare. We believe in keeping you safe and as consumers let's do our part right to relieve from further plight.
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Now I know why my hands hate lifebuoy 🙄
It is sad yet we need to accept the fact that all that glitters can never always be gold!
An eye opener indeed and realising that India seems so ignorant in such issues.