A viral social media trend showing chefs heating construction bricks and pouring hot oil ortadkaover them before placing them into food has grabbed attention online. While many viewers are intrigued by the promise of a smoky flavour, health experts are raising serious concerns about safety.
What may look like a creative cooking hack could actually expose people to harmful toxins.
In several viral videos, a brick is heated until extremely hot and then used to infuse dishes with a smoky aroma. At first glance, it may resemble traditional Indian techniques likedhungaror tempering where hot charcoal is used to add flavour.
However, there is a critical difference - charcoal used in cooking is food-safe, while construction bricks are not designed for culinary use.
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Bricks may appear harmless, but they are made from clay and other raw materials that often contain industrial impurities. These can include heavy metals such as:
Bricks may appear harmless, but they are made from clay and other raw materials that often contain industrial impurities
Doctors warn that this trend is far from safe. According to nutrition experts, repeated exposure, even in small amounts, can lead to long-term health complications. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time and may result in:
Traditional techniques like dhungar are carefully controlled and use food-grade materials. Charcoal is placed in a bowl, heated, and used to create smoke without directly contaminating the food.
In contrast, construction bricks are industrial materials not meant for consumption. Heating them can release harmful compounds, especially when combined with oil or moisture, significantly increasing the risk of contamination.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
