This Summer Treat Could Be Dangerous If You’re Not Checking the Label

As temperatures soar, few things are more tempting than a chilled scoop of ice cream. But behind that sweet, creamy delight may lurk something less appetizing — and potentially harmful.

A recent raid by the Health Department in Hambran’s industrial zone has shaken the trust of ice cream lovers across Punjab. An ice cream manufacturing unit was found operating in shockingly unhygienic conditions, with expired ingredients, swarms of houseflies, and raw materials left exposed. The factory was promptly issued a challan, and contaminated stock was destroyed on the spot.

“The environment inside the unit was filthy and cluttered, posing serious risks to public health,” confirmed District Health Officer Amarjit Kaur. “With ice cream sales peaking during summer, we are intensifying our inspections to prevent food-borne outbreaks.”

And the risks are very real. According to a city-based gastroenterologist, consumption of adulterated or poorly handled frozen products can lead to infections caused by bacteria like listeria, salmonella, and E.coli. Even more disturbing are reports of unethical manufacturers using substances like detergent powder to mimic a creamy texture in frozen desserts — a practice that can lead to nausea, vomiting, and long-term digestive complications.

“I stopped buying from the market after falling seriously ill,” said local resident Aakansha Malhotra. “Now I make my own at home using online recipes. It’s safer and tastier.”

So what can you do to stay safe this summer?
Experts suggest starting with the label. While real ice cream is made from milk and milk solids, frozen desserts often contain vegetable oils and artificial additives. This critical difference can affect not only taste and texture, but also your health if consumed regularly.

To identify real ice cream, check for:

• A smooth and creamy texture that doesn’t melt too quickly
• Natural-looking colors and subtle sweetness
• Ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar instead of vegetable fats or emulsifiers

There’s even a simple test you can do at home: squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on your frozen treat. If it foams, it could contain detergent or synthetic ingredients — a clear red flag.

While frozen desserts aren’t inherently bad, knowing what you’re eating makes all the difference. “It’s all about awareness,” said a local nutritionist. “If you enjoy these treats occasionally and choose trusted sources, you’re in the clear. But don’t be fooled by misleading labels.”

So before you grab that ice lolly from your nearest store, take a second look — what you thought was your favorite summer indulgence could be a health risk in disguise.