Shops selling juices and beverages in the popular markets in various Iraqi cities witness a heavy turnout during the month of Ramadan.
Health and oversight authorities in many Iraqi governorates have warned of the danger of such drinks, which are sold as pure and natural juices, while most of them contain colored, carcinogenic and harmful substances.
The supervisory authorities in the governorates of the Kurdistan region of Iraq also warned, and with the beginning of the month of Ramadan, they launched field campaigns to monitor these drinks, examine their components and confiscate them, which, despite being distinguished by their bright and bright colors that draw the attention of shoppers and attract them, do not, in fact, contain any useful nutritional values, according to specialists.
Water, sugar and colourants
Health expert Dr. Zamo Bakhtiar said, in an interview with “Sky News Arabia”, that “although many consumers are accustomed to drinking it and the high demand for it during the month of Ramadan, they are not juices and cannot even be described as a fruit drink, as it is prepared from water, sugar, colorings and flavors.” Industrial, they are mixed in primitive ways that do not meet the permitted amounts and quantities for the use of such colorings and flavorings, as they are manufactured in small shops and most of them do not observe hygiene and public health conditions.
Bakhtiar added, “Due to the suspicious methods of preparing them, and their being made of unclean or sterile water, large quantities of sugars, and poor industrial dyes that may even be expired, these drinks become more dangerous and toxic when consumed, and that is why they should be avoided.”
He continued, “Even the methods of storing and presenting it to customers are unhealthy and inappropriate, as it is emptied into plastic bottles, usually for used mineral water, and in some shops it is sold by pouring it into plastic bags.”
What are healthy alternatives to these drinks?
Healthy alternatives for the fasting person to quench his thirst and compensate for the lack of fluids in the body are available and many, according to Bakhtiar, who explained that “the most prominent of them, of course, is water without any additives, and milk or fresh juices prepared at home. And if they are bought from abroad, care must be taken that they are from sources and stores that adhere to health standards.” general hygiene.”
Despite the health warnings, the demand for these drinks continues by many, as Ibrahim, who regularly buys them during Ramadan, says: “For years and every Ramadan we consume these drinks, which are an essential part of the Ramadan table alongside the main dishes and sweets, and I do not think that they are harmful.” As it is said, and it sounds like the well-known health warnings of fast food.”
