Following the alleged discovery of high levels of lead in Maggi noodles in Uttar Pradesh, city paediatricians have reacted by asking parents to avoid giving the foodstuff to their children. Doctors say that high levels of lead can cause stomach ache, convulsions and mental retardation, and affect blood flow. Consumption of lead may necessitate emergency surgery.
The instant noodles brand has been immensely popular among children as well as adults. After reports claiming that it contains high levels of lead, many retailers in different parts of the country have stopped selling the product.
The issue has become a raging one mainly because lakhs of kids consume Maggi almost daily. According to paediatricians, if the product really contains high levels of lead, it can have disastrous consequences on children's health.
Dr Y K Amdekar, medical director, Wadia Hospital, said, "Lead intervenes with a variety of body processes. It also interferes with the development of the nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic to children. Ingesting it on regular basis and for a longer period of time can also cause permanent learning and behaviour disorders. Large amount of lead ingestion can cause symptoms include stomach pain, confusion, headache, mental retardation, anaemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures. If the problems aggravate, some time children need surgery.
In Maharashtra, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is expected receive the report on its samples by Friday.
"We have been worried about the spurt in chronic diseases in children and long suspected the cause to be surreptitious amounts of lead, MSG and other dangerous substances in food, milk and even some proprietary preparations," said Dr Samir Dalwai, Chairperson, Indian Academy of Pediatrics Childhood Disability Group.
Dr Dalwai said lead has been suspected to be associated with autism. "These can cause growth and development retardation, harm lungs, kidneys, liver and blood. Unfortunately awareness about these is abysmally low. Strict guidelines and monitoring for permissible levels is needed."
Dr Nitin Shah, paediatrician at PD Hinduja Hospital said, "We advise parents not to give instant food like Maggi to their children on a daily basis. It can be a snack item but can't replace the main meal. We will have to wait for the FDA reports before analysing on the lead part and its toxicity."
