Discussion on the Contemporary Issues of Contaminated Food

Essay Prompt: Discussion on the Current Issues of Contaminated Food

Discourse on the Present State of Contaminated Food

I. Detailed Outline of Discourse on the Current Issues of Contaminated Food

1. Introduction

Lead-in, presenting the topic for discussion: The problem of contaminated food in today's society.

2. Body of the Essay

a. Explain the concept and outline the manifestations and current situation of the 'contaminated food' phenomenon:
- Define contaminated food.
- Manifestations:
+ Products with foul odors turning attractive and fresh due to coloring agents, additives.
+ Numerous types of vegetables treated with stimulants, etc.
- Current situation: Contaminated food is a pressing societal issue today.

b. Clearly state the reasons leading to the widespread trade of contaminated food
- Due to human consciousness...(Continued)

>> See the complete Outline for the Discussion on the Current Issues of Contaminated Food here.
 

II. Sample Essay on Discourse about Contemporary Issues of Contaminated Food

The progression of industrialization and modernization has brought numerous scientific and technological achievements as well as advancements in human life. However, alongside these developments come various repercussions such as environmental pollution, climate change, greenhouse effects, and more. One of the contemporary issues, 'contaminated food,' becomes a formidable problem due to the consequences it imposes.

'Contaminated food' refers to products - food and beverages that fail to meet food safety hygiene standards, containing harmful microorganisms and posing various risks to human health. These could be products emitting foul odors, cleverly transformed with coloring agents and additives to appear attractive, fresh, and visually appealing. Alternatively, it could be various vegetables rapidly growing due to the use of stimulants, meat products containing dangerous hormones from growth enhancers, or a myriad of processed foods exceeding the permissible limits for additives and preservatives according to food production regulations. From these specific indications, we can easily observe the rampant production and sale of contaminated food, surpassing control measures. So, what are the reasons behind this situation?

It is not difficult to find the answer to why contaminated food is openly and extensively sold, even overshadowing clean food. This stems from the consciousness and actions, the attitude of humans. Driven by the motto of 'more capital, more profit,' to gain high profits from food trading, traders are willing to use banned substances and preservatives to extend the shelf life of vegetables, fruits, and other products. Growers, aiming to accelerate plant growth and shorten care time, do not hesitate to use stimulants and growth enhancers. Even though suppliers and traders are well aware of the safety issues with the food sources, they compromise and release them into the market. This is evident in the case of pork contaminated with parasites continuing to appear on the shelves without being disposed of. The production and supply of contaminated food undoubtedly originate from the demand of consumers, as there must be 'supply' due to the existing 'demand.',

The preference for inexpensive products with attractive designs, without concern for quality and production processes, is a common mindset among consumers. This has diminished the sustainable values that clean food brings. Moreover, many consumers carry the outdated belief of 'eating dirty for longevity' to justify the use of contaminated food, showing indifference to their precious health and assets. Thus, for immediate benefits, humans unintentionally compromise and step into the world of diseases caused by contaminated food through the digestive system. Additionally, lax management and loose hygiene checks create a favorable environment for contaminated food to appear and persist.

Few could imagine that nonchalance and indifference in food choices lead to severe consequences no less serious than those caused by issues like war and environmental pollution. Firstly, using food with unknown origins and containing toxic substances directly affects consumers' health, causing food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, digestive disorders, etc. Not stopping there, chemicals such as pesticides, growth enhancers, and preservatives gradually penetrate and deeply infiltrate human cells and bodies, becoming the cause of many extremely dangerous diseases, including cancer. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health in 2015, about 35% of the total 150,000 people suffering from this devastating disease were affected by contaminated food. Thus, contaminated food is the harmful factor threatening human health and lives. It even poses a threat to the genetic line and future of humanity. Recently, public opinion has been shocked by the issue of unsafe food, specifically pork contaminated with tapeworm eggs or frozen chicken appearing in the meals and menus of young children at a kindergarten in Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province. Thus, the callousness and irresponsibility in selecting and controlling food sources have inadvertently exposed young children to unforeseen health risks.

The dangers posed by contaminated food have sounded an alarm about human health and life. However, how to prevent and avoid unclear origin foods and ensure food safety hygiene is not an easy question to answer. Firstly, to achieve this, each individual needs to raise their own awareness through specific actions. We can limit exposure to contaminated food by cultivating our own or choosing food sources with clear origins and transparency in hygiene certification.

To protect our own health and guard against the dangers posed by contaminated food, each of us should become a smart consumer by boycotting contaminated food and actively using fresh and safe products.