Adulteration

Adulteration is basically addition or subtraction of substances which may affect the quality of a food product. The substance can be partially or wholly substituted in order to earn profits by the companies or small vendors. The main reason for adulteration could be unhygienic processing conditions or intentionally done for financial profits which eventually harm the heath of the purchaser and deteriorate the standards of product. Although many regulatory bodies have been setup which keep eye on this kind of act still it is your duty to check whether you are being fooled or not. Some of the simple tests are instructed below which you could do at home without any expensive or dangerous reagents. 

 1. To check milk adulterated with water- Milk is usually diluted with water so as to increase its quantity and earn profits. You could check this by pouring a drop of milk over a slant polished surface. If it flows immediately without leaving a mark this conclude that milk is adulterated with water as non adulterated milk will always leave a mark.

 2. Presence of detergent in milk -Detergent is added to emulsify, give frothy solution appearance and give color to milk. You can examine by adding same amount of milk and water and shaking it. The appearance of lather indicates presence of detergents. Intake of detergents can lead to many stomach disorders. 


 3. Inspect iron in tea- magnets are most probably present in each household which could be used to check presence of iron in tea by drawing magnet over tea, placed over a piece of paper. Iron flakes if present will cling to the magnet. Producers do this to increase the quantity and fool the consumers. Although iron is required by human body but excess quantity can lead to various harmful effects.

4. To check adulterated cumin seeds- Grass seeds colored with charcoal dust are added in cumin seeds as it is a cheaper substitute. Rub the cumin seeds on palm and if palm turns black indicates that cumin seed is adulterated.

 5. Examine adulterated chili powder- Brick powder or talc powder is added due to its low cost which has harmful effect on human stomach. This could be checked by adding chilies powder in water. Colored water indicates the presence of adulterants. Hence by performing these simple tests you can be a little more confident about the product you are in taking. If any of these products find out to be adulterated then you should surely change your brand and report to higher authorities as your health is your wealth and no one should fool you.