Here’s why your children should never eat K&N’s frozen chicken again!

ISLAMABAD: Frozen and processed products of K&N’s, especially frozen chicken, have become a staple in many Pakistani households due to their quick and convenient food serving option for people who are too busy to cook homemade meals. However, such convenience always comes with a hefty price.

Frozen processed foods are pre-packaged meals or ingredients that have been preserved through freezing. They can range from frozen pizzas and burgers, nuggets, and samosas to microwaveable meals and frozen vegetables.

Many Pakistani frozen food brands, such as K&N’s, portray their frozen items range as safe and 100% organic, and are highly popular among adults, especially children; however, the processing and preservation methods used can have negative effects on our health.

Health Side Effects of Frozen Foods on Adults and Children

One of the most common health issues that comes with frozen foods brands like K&N’s is that they contain high Sodium content, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke starting from an early age.

Secondly, the word processed itself describes that the product has been changed from its natural state, and various processes have been conducted on it. Frozen processed foods often contain preservatives and additives to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.

According to studies, some children may even have allergic reactions after coming in contact with the chemicals used in the preservation of the product.

Moreover, many frozen processed foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Processed foods like chips, nuggets, and sausages, which are either deep-fried or have a high calorie count, often lead to fatty liver, which disrupts the digestive system.

People who consume frozen foods daily, regardless of whether them being fruits or vegetables, have a higher risk of increased blood sugar levels due to the artificial preservatives added in them.

Consuming frozen processed foods regularly has also been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including obesity.

Additionally, storing the frozen food in the right manner is also a task. While freezing does halt the growth of most bacteria, it does not kill the pathogens present in the food.

Improper freezing, cooking, or thawing can cause several forms of bacteria to grow within the packed food packet, without you even knowing, which may cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Research and Studies

For years, scientists have been conducting research and studies to gather pieces of evidence about how frozen foods lead to various health problems, which later turn into dangerous diseases.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the consumption of ready-made meals is independently associated with increased abdominal obesity in adults, an indicator of central fat deposition, and ready-made meal consumers are less likely to achieve the nutritional recommendations.

According to research published by UF Health in December 2022, it states that people who consume frozen, processed foods have a high chance of cognitive decline, often leading to lifelong health issues like Dementia and Temporary Memory Loss.

In addition, a study published by The Nutrition Source explains that one of the primary side effects of using frozen foods, even the veggies and fruits, is nutritional loss. The degree to which the food is processed may take away all the nutrients naturally present in the food.

Frozen processed foods are often stripped of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a range of health problems.

In light of all this evidence, The Daily Ausaf has contacted local frozen food brands, but for now, no one has given any specific stance on the health hazards these frozen foods can cause.