Hot days and cool drinks!

Dear Reader,

Two news items caught my attention recently. A man residing in Mitchell, South Dakota, U.S.A. bought a can of coke and unsuspectingly gulped two mouthfuls. The taste being different, he opened the can wide with a can opener to find a dead mouse inside! He has sued the Coca-Cola Company for negligence, leading to his illness, mental agony and loss of pay. In India too, the Bisleri Company was asked by the 'District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum' functioning in New Delhi, to pay a compensation of ₹15,000 to a retailer, who found insects in a packaged water bottle he had kept for sale!

While we don't want to condemn such big companies outright, it cannot be denied that some batches of packaged foods or drinks may become contami-nated occasionally. So it is for us consu-mers to be vigilant. Packaged foods usually have added chemical preservatives which are harmful if consumed often. They also have expiry dates. So, it is better for us to avoid these foods and drinks as much as possible. Of course, instances may arise when it becomes necessary, but we need not fall into the habit of buying them regularly.

Even at home, cooking must be done carefully, taking care to wash the vegetables properly before they are cut up. Cooked food must be kept covered securely with lids. Utensils must be washed clean after use, dried and kept inverted in shelves. As for a cool drink on a hot day, nothing can be more satisfying than a glass of homemade lemonade, prepared lovingly for you by your mother.

- Editor