As quick-commerce giants Zepto Cafe, Zomato's Bistro, and Swiggy Bolt compete to deliver meals within a mere 10 minutes, a growing number of health experts and critics are raising alarms about the potential dangers of this ultra-fast service. The convenience it offers may be undermined by significant health risks, as these meals are often heavily processed and nutritionally inadequate.
Expert Warnings on Ultra-Fast Food:
Dr. Manan Vora, an orthopaedic surgeon and co-founder of NutriByte Wellness, has highlighted the risks associated with this delivery model. In a widely discussed LinkedIn post, he explained, “To deliver food in 10 minutes, it needs to be prepared in under three minutes. This can only be achieved using ultra-processed, pre-cooked, frozen meals that are reheated and dispatched.”
Dr. Vora shared research findings that link ultra-processed foods to several health concerns:
Increased Cancer Risk: A 12% higher likelihood of developing cancer.
Cardiovascular Issues: A 10% rise in the risk of heart-related diseases.
Obesity: Contributing to the 27.8% obesity rate among Indian adults.
Diabetes: Triggered by frequent sugar spikes.
Heart Disease: Linked to the consumption of trans fats found in such meals.
Urging consumers to make better choices, Dr. Vora advised, “If you can’t prepare home-cooked food and need to order, opt for options that take a little more time to arrive but are freshly made. Don’t let convenience compromise your health.” His message to quick-commerce platforms was firm: “Dear Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto: We don’t need ultra-processed garbage delivered in 10 minutes!”
If you can’t prepare home-cooked food and need to order, opt for options that take a little more time to arrive but are freshly made. Don’t let convenience compromise your health.Dr. Manan Vora, An Orthopaedic Surgeon and Co-founder of NutriByte Wellness
Public Reactions and Viral Response:
The post quickly gained traction online, with many resonating with Dr. Vora’s concerns. A user commented, “While 10-minute delivery seems appealing, it sacrifices health for convenience. The long-term risks of relying on ultra-processed meals are not worth it.” Another predicted that this trend would lead to a surge in chronic illnesses over the coming decade.
Industry Criticism:
The debate on fast food culture in India has been further fueled by Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company. He labeled it the “biggest epidemic” due to the health repercussions of consuming cheap, ultra-processed foods rich in sugar and palm oil. Mr. Deshpande has called for stricter regulations on such meals and urged consumers to embrace home-cooked food practices. Additionally, he challenged food delivery companies to prioritize quality over speed.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)