Snacks for school children are often questioned about their cleanliness and safety. The materials used and the unhygienic way of serving make parents worry about the health of their children at school. So, what are the harmful substances that are usually contained in school snacks?
School children's snacks usually have a sweet taste, bright color, and the price is relatively cheap. This is what makes children interested in consuming it.
However, these foods and beverages may contain artificial coloring or preservatives which should not be consumed by children and even adults.
If continuously consumed in the long term, the content of these harmful substances can cause various health problems. Therefore, it is important for parents to always be aware of the dangers of school children's snacks being sold freely.
Hazardous Ingredients in Snacks School children
There are several dangerous ingredients in school children's snacks that are often found, namely:
1. Borax
Borax (sodium tetraborate) is a white powder that resembles salt and has no taste. Generally, borax is used as an ingredient to make detergents, pesticides, and fertilizers. However, this ingredient is often misused as a food preservative and to tenderize meat.
If consumed continuously, school children's snacks containing borax can cause brain, liver, and kidney disorders. In fact, if consumed in excess, children can vomit, have diarrhea, and even go into shock that can threaten their lives.
2. Formalin
Formalin is also often found as a preservative for school children's snacks. In the long term, school children's snacks that contain formaldehyde can damage the digestive system, increase the risk of kidney failure, and trigger cancer.
Formalin is also believed to cause disorders of the reproductive organs in women. While in pregnant women, formalin can cause birth defects to fetal death.
3. Rhodamine B
Rhodamine B is a chemical dye commonly used for paper, textiles, wood, soap, and gold. If children continue to consume school children's snacks containing rhodamine B, it can increase the risk of liver function disorders and liver cancer.
4. Methanyl yellow
Methanol yellow is commonly used for dyeing textiles, paper, and paints. Consumption of foods containing methanol yellow in the long term, can trigger a decrease in blood pressure and cancer.
Tips Choose Healthy Snacks for schoolchildren
Children who are growing, will often feel hungry between meals. To prevent harm from various chemicals in food, you can provide healthy snacks with the following criteria:
- Foods low in sugar, fat and salt
- Foods rich in protein
- Whole grain products
- Fruits or fruit juices mixed with yogurt or milk
- Milk, nuts and raisins
If you don't have time to prepare your child's school lunch, you can tell your child to avoid school snacks that are too bright in color and have a taste that is too sweet or savory.
In addition, remind children not to buy snacks that are processed until they burn or use oil that is used repeatedly. Also, make sure the kids look at the labels on the snacks so they don't eat expired products.
If you still have questions about the harmful substances contained in school children's snacks and menu choices or healthy snacks for children, don't hesitate to consult a nutritionist.
