Consumption of feni, a type of liquor made exclusively in Goa, after its sustained storage in plastic jars, may prove highly detrimental as the spirit slowly turns carcinogenic and may cause cancer, experts said here today.
Feni, produced in cashew and coconut flavours, is very popular in Goa. However, plastic containers are increasingly being used for its fermentation and the liquor is packaged and sold in plastic bottles/jars.
"Consumption of feni after its storage in PVC jars can lead to oral cancer, blood cancer or others. Once feni is stored in (plastic) jar, it becomes carcinogenic," oncologist Dr Suresh Shetye told reporters here today.
Drawing attention to some other carcinogenic substances that are used in food items, Shetye said the state government should ban sale of such products.
"Even the consumption of non-edible colours used in various products, like roasted chicken, can lead to cancer," he said.
The cancer specialist was addressing a press conference organised by Manipal Health Enterprises and Goa Cancer Society on the eve of the World Cancer Day.
National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) chairman and renowned oncologist Dr Shekhar Salkar said that there has been a prevalence of various types of cancer in Goa.
"Considering our population, the prevalence of colon cancer is the highest as compared to the national average in Goa, he said.
Dr Salkar added that the cases of cervical cancer are less in Goa while those of breast cancer are par with the national average.
