“Hygiene of street foods, quality in India very questionable and comparable to junk food”: Luke Coutinho lifestyle expert | Mumbai News

Luke Coutinho: In our practice, we treat food as medicines. Although this is not a replacement of allopathy or prescribed treatments, we believe that food can play a powerful and favorable role in conditions management such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders and many others – because food is what feeds the human body and each of its billion cells. So, if the food we consume is falsified, are we really nourishing the body, or do we destroy it slowly?

We met so many products which, in our view, contributed to bad results for health, which led us to launch the Pink Tiger initiative. Thanks to this, we personally check the quality of the products. We are not trying to be FSSAI (Food Security Authority and India standards), nor a regulatory body. We collect random lots and send them to some of the highest accredited laboratories in the country in order to help Indian citizens identify five to ten of the cleanest marks in key categories such as proteins, staples, masalas and supplements – articles found in each Indian house. What we propose is the right to choose – not based on endorsements, but on verification.

Random lots tests are essential due to gaps in the system. Often, manufacturers submit a lot of superior quality for certification, but the quality of the following lots may not correspond. This inconsistency is widespread, and the FSSAI has already confiscated several falsified samples – protein powders, milk, thief, etc. – From across the country.

Yes, we find a large number of products that fail our tests. But we are not named and are not shame on social networks. Instead, we directly inform manufacturers and hope they are taking responsibility and will make significant changes.

Q.⁠ What should the government do and have you made proposals or do you work with them to solve this problem?

Coutinho: The government and the FSSAI are already taking measures to combat food falsification. However, given the size of our country, the scale of the problem and the number of players who try to bypass the system, it is a massive challenge. This has happened for years, therefore naturally, systemic change will take time. In the meantime, what we choose to feed our families – our children, our parents and patients – counts deeply, and we think that the Pink Tiger initiative is a step in this direction.

We hope to collaborate soon with the government, or whether they adopt this concept nationwide and make the tests of random lots compulsory, with strict sanctions for those who sell sales products with falsification or inaccurate labels.

Q.⁠ ⁠Vo Have you faced legal threats or the pressure of the Giants of the FMCG (Consumer goods in rapid moving) to tilt the result in their direction, since they have continued those who have spoken against them in the past?

Coutinho: No, we have not yet faced legal threats, because we are not here to reduce brands. We also do not hide the attention of social media. In fact, many founders of New Age contact us because they support the initiative. They are aware of the extent of adulteration on the market and how some larger brands use investors for flashy marketing and celebrity mentions, which can mislead consumers by believing that their products are high quality. In reality, many of these products contain ingredients of lower quality or even harmful. Thus, the emerging ethical brands which may not have financial resources for large -scale marketing or legal battles now come to us voluntarily, asking us to carry out random lots tests on their products.

Q.⁠ Can people identify adulteration in restaurant food (for example, false basket), and what should they look for when eating?

Coutinho: There are simple tests like the iodine test and many others that people can try at home, but I am not entirely confident in their precision. All our tests are carried out through certified laboratories. A large part of what you see on social networks can be misleading – people often test baskets already cooked or covered with oil, which can lead to inaccurate results. We believe that, for the sake of equity and precision, in particular for the marks involved, all tests must be carried out in high -level accredited regulatory laboratories.

Q.⁠ ⁠ What is your back and your case to safely enjoy street food in India?

Coutinho: Street food in our country is very questionable with regard to its hygiene, as well as to use the worst quality of oils. It’s sad, but I urge people to minimize street foodwhich is today comparable to unwanted and ultra-treble foods.

Q.⁠ ⁠the which led you to be invited to the NXT conclave and to meet PM Modi? What is the idea behind “the Bharat dish”?

Coutinho: I believe that my work work over the years has led to my invitation to the NXT conclave by Mr. Karthik Sharma, member of Rajya Sabha. It is a question of great honor that my The work has reached Prime Minister Narendra ModiAnd I was responsible for creating the “Bharat dish” – the lunch and dinner menus organized in its honor – to demonstrate that a balanced contribution of macros and microphones can be made thanks to our local superfoods. In addition, we have had the privilege of contributing lifestyle recommendations for the nation, aligning the Prime Minister’s vision of a healthier adjuster and India – which favors preventive health. Our approach is holistic, not only encompassing nutrition, but also movement, physical form, sleep, chronic stress management and emotional well-being.

Q. What role does the first nutritional education play in the fight against the growing obesity of India?

Coutinho: early nutritional teaching is absolutely critical. We need government support – but more importantly, we need the support of directors and educators to ensure that each school adopts a policy without garbage and introduces nutritional education in the basic level program.

Q.⁠ ⁠ What are the health problems concerning plastic containers and what measures can the food delivery industry take to protect the health of consumers?

Coutinho: We contacted Swiggy and Zomato a long time ago – no response, no action. Zomato returned once, saying they would examine it, but nothing has changed. Plastic heated foods are scientifically and medically proven to be harmful. Each consumer should have the right to choose – plastic, biodegradable or sustainable packaging which is safer for the environment and our health.

It is time for Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto worked with their sellers to offer this choice. Many people order food for health reasons, but what is it for if it happens in toxic plastic? We do not say to eliminate plastic during the night – which could increase costs. We say they give people the opportunity. Educate them. Support a quarter. These platforms have money, scope, power. If they really care about the health of the nation, a simple ethical change can go very far.