'Nasi katok' hazardous to health?
Favourite 'fast-food: A vendor preparing 'nasi katok' for waiting customers. 'Nasi katok' is quite popular among locals, especially those who are always on the rush. Picture: BT file photo
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
THE morning rush to work can deprive some of the adequate breakfast that they need to start off the day. Due to this, many workers have resorted to buying nasi katok on their way to work. However, consuming this relatively cheap dish on regular bases may pose danger to health. The quickly prepared meal has become a favourite among locals, especially for those people who are constantly on-the-go.
The chicken, rice and the sambal, or chili gravy have all been prepared beforehand, thus the whole process of packaging usually takes less than a couple of minutes after the customer has made the order. It is the preparation of these ingredients which raises the health concerns. Such is the case for one local nasi katok stall in the Kiulap area, where the vegetable oil used to deep-fry the chicken gets changed only once a day. On a typical day, the stall went through 1,000 pieces of chicken. In developed countries with strict regulations concerning the preparation and cooking of foodstuffs, this type of practice would prompt investigation by the respective health authorities. Some vegetable oils have been found to be partially hydrogenated, which increases its shelf-life, but it can also lead to diseases such as multiple sclerosis and obesity.
The chicken used in some of these 'fast-food' stalls, are heavily saturated in oil since they have been deep-fried.
The seasoning used to add flavour to nasi katok may also contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), a chemical which has undergone controversial debate over whether its consumption can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as drowsiness and nausea.
The sales of nasi katok as a breakfast substitute have also been quite high. According to another local vendor, between 8 and 11.30 in the morning, they typically sold 200-300 packs on a weekdays and have even managed to sell up to 400 packs on Sundays.
A breakfast containing whole grains, fruits, dairy and low-fat proteins provide a much healthier option since the feeling of hunger is kept at bay for a longer time period.
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