Colour Adulteration Detection In Food Grains: FSSAI Shares Tips

In India, food adulteration remains a significant issue, with one common fraudulent practice being the use of artificial colouring in food grains. Food safety is a major concern, as the presence of harmful substances in food can pose serious health risks. Adulteration refers to the practice of adding inferior materials to pure foods to increase weight or profit. The introduction of artificial colouring in food grains is particularly troubling, as it can lead to toxicity or allergic reactions. To empower consumers and improve food safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has provided valuable information on how to detect such adulterations. One of the simplest and most effective methods is a basic water test. 

Video Credit: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India/ YouTube

Understanding Food Grain Adulteration

Artificial colouring of food grains is a dishonest activity where retailers alter the look of grains in order to hide poor or damaged goods. Apart from misleading the customers, this approach may be very dangerous to their health. Hazardous substances that can result in everything from minor allergic reactions to serious long-term health problems are frequently included in the synthetic colours employed in this technique. These unauthorised colourants are physically embedded in foods and beverages contrary to food safety rules and pose risks to the health of people.

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Also read: What Is Food Fortification? 5 Fortified Foods Operationalised by FSSAI

The Detection Method Shared By FSSAI

The FSSAI recommends a simple yet very successful water test procedure for identifying colour adulteration. First and foremost, you will require a clear and translucent glass so that you can see any colour changes in the water. Because it enables you to determine if the food grains you are consuming are pure or contaminated with harmful colours, this visual component of the test is essential.

Steps Of The Detection Method

• The test is performed by filling a clear, clean glass with water.
• The food grains you want to test should then be added, about 2 teaspoons, and properly mixed with the water.
• The water should stay clear, and the grains should not change colour if they are pure.
• In contrast, you will immediately notice a colour leaking into the water if the grains have been adulterated with artificial colours, which indicates the presence of dangerous compounds.

This immediate visual effect can help you to make good decisions about what foods you should/should not eat.

Significance Of The Method

This testing technique is among the most valuable assets that can help raise awareness on food safety and consumer protection. Regarding food safety monitoring, FSSAI encourages the participation of citizens by offering them a way to check the accuracy of their food grains.  Due to its simplicity, this test will prove most effective in work conducted in both urban and rural environments where access to better testing apparatus may be quite difficult.  The FSSAI's primary goal of ensuring food safety and raising consumer awareness of food adulteration is in line with this strategy.

You can detect and stay away from contaminated food grains by doing the water test and adhering to these easy guidelines. To safeguard your family's health as well as your own, you must be watchful and take action. You can notify the local food safety authorities if you think a food product has been altered.