Consider the following pairs:

Commonly used/consumed materials	Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them
1. Lipstick	Lead
2. Soft drinks	Brominated vegetable oils
3. Chinese fast food	Monosodium glutamate

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 — all three pairs are correctly matched.

Let us examine each pair one by one to understand why all of them are valid:

Pair 1: Lipstick → Lead

Lead is a well-documented contaminant found in lipstick and other cosmetic products. Several studies, including investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have detected measurable levels of lead in a wide range of commercial lipstick brands. Lead is not an intentional ingredient — it enters as an impurity through pigments (such as certain red and orange dyes derived from lead-based compounds). Since lipstick is applied near the mouth and can be inadvertently ingested, even trace amounts of lead are considered a health concern, as lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. This pair is correctly matched. ✓

Pair 2: Soft Drinks → Brominated Vegetable Oils (BVO)

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is a food additive that has historically been used in certain citrus-flavoured soft drinks and sports drinks as an emulsifier — it helps keep the flavouring oils suspended evenly in the liquid rather than floating to the top. BVO is derived from vegetable oil that has been chemically bonded with bromine. It is considered controversial because bromine can accumulate in body tissue, and excessive consumption has been linked to neurological symptoms and skin problems. Several countries, including the European Union and Japan, have banned BVO, while regulatory debates continue in others. This pair is correctly matched. ✓

Pair 3: Chinese Fast Food → Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that has been widely used in Chinese cuisine and fast food to intensify the savoury (umami) taste of food. MSG became controversial largely due to the so-called "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" — a cluster of symptoms (such as headaches, flushing, and sweating) that some people reported after consuming MSG-heavy meals. While current scientific consensus indicates MSG is safe for the general population in normal quantities, it remains a "controversial chemical" in the public perception and in regulatory discussions in various countries. Its presence in Chinese fast food is well-established and widely recognised. This pair is correctly matched. ✓

Conclusion:

All three pairs — (1) Lipstick and Lead, (2) Soft drinks and Brominated Vegetable Oils, and (3) Chinese fast food and Monosodium Glutamate — are correctly matched. Therefore, the answer is 1, 2 and 3.