New York banned food containing activated carbon

New York City (USA) has banned dishes such as latte or ice cream containing activated carbon, due to concerns that the material may cause constipation and reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Black food and drinks appear abundantly on Instagram and social networks after the shops race to add their own ingredients to a raw material of activated carbon - which is used in hospitals to discharge. poison.

In New York, this trend is increasingly being replicated. Diners lined up outside Morgenstern's shop to buy coconut milk ice cream, enjoy black coffee at The Good Sort or taste palm-wood pancakes.

Ice cream activated carbon became the trendy food that many people loved.(Photo: Gloucestershire Live).

However, recently, the New York Department of Health conducted a recall of activated carbon, asking stores to remove the amount of thousands of dollars worth of materials, after it was suggested that the active ingredient could change. effectiveness of pharmaceuticals, including women's birth control pills.

For a long time, activated carbon has been used in hospitals to discharge toxic patients. Strong permeability makes them absorb toxins in the patient's intestines, but can also absorb drugs.

According to New York City health law, activated carbon is basically banned from use in the form of food, and the government has urged restaurants and cafes to stop using it for years. However, the recent trend on the internet has made these establishments ignore regulations.

Those who feared have submitted a petition requesting control of this: 'Activated carbon can make birth control pills and other prescription drugs less effective'. In just two weeks, there were 20,000 supporters.

Activated carbon can cause constipation and reduce the effectiveness of the drug.(Photo: Discovery SG).

According to gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, the risk exists, but does not appear if taking small doses: 'If you eat charcoal ice cream once a month, there is nothing to worry about. In order for activated carbon to absorb pharmaceuticals, it must be the same amount used in medicine. Ice cream will not have that amount. If you eat every day, birth control pills will not be as effective as usual. '

However, New York City has considered and decided to ban this material in food products. Morgenstern had to give up $ 3,000 worth of activated carbon and medical staff confiscated many of these ingredients at Round K. Cafe.