(a) whether the National Institute of Nutrition has reported that the use of Aluminium cookware is toxic and harmful for human beings;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps take by the Government to ban it; and
(d) if not, the remedial measures proposed to be taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE (SHRI N.T. SHANMUGAM)
(a)to(d): A statement is laid on the table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 271 FOR ANSWER ON 14-03-2000
National Institute of Nutrition studies reveal that certain types of food preparations made in aluminium vessels especially where the preparations are of acidic nature, do cause significant leaching of aluminium from the vessel. However, there is as yet no strong evidence to suggest that aluminium could be toxic to normal healthy humans.
The Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955 provide that the containers made of aluminium when used in preparation, packing and storing of food shall conform to B.I.S. specification for aluminium and aluminium alloy.