‘Substandard’ soup sale thrives in twin cities

Consumption of unhygienic food raises health concerns

ISLAMABAD:

The onset of severe cold has led to a noticeable increase in the sale of substandard chicken corn soup in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Stalls offering the winter delicacy have sprung up across major markets and alleys, taking advantage of the rising demand attributed to the intense cold.

The populace of the twin cities, much like the rest of the country, is turning to chicken corn soup as a favourite during the winter season. As the cold weather sets in, citizens flock to these soup stalls, sipping on their favourite brew while discussing domestic matters and the country’s politics.

Given the unusual rise in demand for chicken corn soup, the vendors and stalls have strategically increased prices, aiming to capitalise on the citizens’ appetite for this comfort food. The cost of a simple chicken soup has surged from Rs50 to Rs150, while the same is being sold for Rs200 with an egg.

On the other hand, the consumption of substandard chicken and corn soups, loaded with additives, has raised health concerns among the city residents.

Talking to The Express Tribune, citizens, including Qasim Nawaz, Syed Tauseef Haider, and Sheikh Shakil, said the Islamabad and Punjab food authorities assess the hygiene of food and beverages at hotels and restaurants but there is no regulatory body checking the standards of the street foods. In major commercial centres of Rawalpindi, such as Satellite Town, Benazir Chowk, Saddar Bazaar, Adamjee Road, Bank Road, Super Market, Aabpara Market, Melody Market, Peshawar Mor, Afghan soup centres and other stalls have been set up where unregulated chicken corn soup is being sold.

Read Demand for winter delights surges

A local vendor, Naseer, highlighted the rising costs of ingredients as the reason for increased prices. “The prices of gas cylinders and chicken have surged, causing the cost of chicken meat to rise to Rs700 while eggs are priced at Rs400 per dozen. Additionally, the costs of sugar, red chilli, green chilli, and black pepper have also increased,” he said.

Dr Naveed Ata Malik acknowledges that the onset of the winter season, characterised by cool temperatures, dryness, and smog, gradually leads to an increase in respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and other similar problems. “These seasonal diseases affect children more quickly,” he said.

The medic suggested that five items can be used to protect children from these problems, taking two teaspoons of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey mixed and giving it to the children two or three times a day. Similarly, honey can be mixed with lukewarm milk and given to children.

He further advised that “Lemon is very useful in dry cough and sore throat because the vitamin C found in it enhances the immune system inside children, preventing them from diseases such as colds, flu, and cough.” He added that during the winter season, chicken corn soup proves to be beneficial for health.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2024.