Eating rusk or biscuits with tea is a common practice in many Indian homes. It’s a staple that pairs well with tea or milk and is often given to children. However, health experts are now warning that this traditional snack might be harming your health, particularly that of your children. The concern revolves around the unhealthy ingredients typically used in making rusks, including sugar, refined flour, and palm oil.
A viral video on social media, shared by Dr. Poojanpreet Kaur, a pediatrician, has brought this issue to the forefront. The video exposes unsanitary practices in the production of rusks, showing large quantities of refined flour, palm oil, and sugar being mixed together. It also reveals workers handling the mixture with their bare hands, which raises significant hygiene concerns.
The video features text that warns against giving milk and rusk as a meal or snack to children, describing rusk as made from unhealthy ingredients. Dr. Kaur expresses her dismay, saying the process made her feel sick and urges people to avoid rusks due to their poor nutritional value.
In her caption, Dr. Kaur suggests opting for healthier snacks like fruits or vegetables and recommends making whole wheat biscuits at home as a better alternative to commercially produced rusks.
View this post on Instagram
The video has prompted a strong reaction from viewers. Many have expressed their concerns about the safety and cleanliness of rusk production. Some Instagram users have noted that similar practices are common in various bakeries, especially in unbranded products. Others emphasize the need for better hygiene standards and healthier raw materials in the food industry.
However, not everyone agrees with Dr. Kaur’s view. Some users argue that baking kills most germs and suggest that moderation is key. They point out that many people grew up eating such snacks and are healthy, countering the idea that occasional consumption is harmful.
Since being posted, the video has garnered 3.8 million views, highlighting the widespread interest and debate on the topic. What are your thoughts on this issue?
