Herbs "exposed" in Ha Tinh market

(Baohatinh.vn) - Many types of herbs are sold everywhere, bringing with them the belief of their medicinal and health-enhancing properties. However, this reality is alarming in terms of hygiene and safety, posing a potential risk to consumers' health.

Many kinds of herbs are sold at Ha Tinh market.

The herbs are contained in plastic bags, of unknown origin.

At Ha Tinh market (Thanh Sen ward), there is an area dedicated to selling herbal products with many stalls. Here, buyers can find all kinds of traditional medicine, herbs... However, the products are displayed and dried in the open, which is very unsafe for hygiene...

The products are packaged in plastic bags, exposed to dust and dirt from many people passing by, and to the winds carrying bacteria and dust from the street. When customers ask to buy, the sellers often use their bare hands to pick and select herbs right in the bag. When we asked about the hygiene of the products, a seller replied that "no need to preserve" or just advised "just wash it at home".

Salespeople use their bare hands to pick up products to sell to customers.

Many consumers, out of habit and because of their belief in the "benignness" of herbs, easily ignore the unhygienic images before their eyes. Ms. Duong Thi Ha My (Thanh Sen ward) said: "I also see herbs being sold uncovered or stall owners using their bare hands to package the products, but this is quite common, every product is like this, so I think it's probably okay."

Herbs drying on the market floor.

The simple belief that "homegrown" is safe has led many people to forget that improper harvesting, drying and storage processes are even more dangerous.

According to Meritorious Physician, Doctor CKI Duong Ba Ngoc - former Deputy Director of Ha Tinh Traditional Medicine Hospital, herbs dried on the ground will be contaminated with dust and heavy metals; stored in a humid environment like in the market will produce mold, especially aflatoxin - a substance that can cause extremely strong liver cancer. The idea that just washing and boiling is completely wrong. Because when people drink it every day, these toxins will slowly accumulate in the body, causing damage to the liver, kidneys and many other organs without even knowing it.

Video : Many types of herbs sold do not ensure hygiene and safety at Ha Tinh market.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/thao-duoc-phoi-minh-giua-cho-ha-tinh-post295124.html