AZE.US
Lula kebabs sold for just AZN 3, or about $1.76, have become a popular roadside meal in Azerbaijan. But with meat prices rising, many consumers are questioning what actually goes into such a cheap kebab and whether it is safe to eat.
Food specialist Nurlan Shukurov said the low price does not necessarily mean the product contains dangerous ingredients. However, it is unlikely to be made entirely from high-quality meat.
According to Shukurov, cheaper kebabs are often prepared with low-cost imported meat mixed with chicken skin, organ meat, onions and breadcrumbs.
“Less pure meat is used. These ingredients are not necessarily harmful, but the quality cannot be compared with kebabs made from freshly slaughtered lamb with minimal additives,” he told Bizim.Media.
The greater health risk, he said, comes from how the minced meat is stored rather than from the ingredients themselves.
Roadside food outlets often lack proper sanitary conditions. If minced meat is kept at the wrong temperature, it can become contaminated with bacteria and harmful microorganisms.
Eating improperly stored kebab may lead to food poisoning and gastrointestinal problems.
Shukurov advised consumers to buy meat products only from establishments that follow hygiene standards and can provide clear information about the origin and composition of the meat.
The low price of a three-manat kebab may therefore be explained by cheaper meat, organ products and fillers rather than illegal additives. But poor storage and inadequate hygiene can still make the meal dangerous.
AZE.US