Since adulteration in many foods, including pulses, can present serious health risks, food safety is a top priority nowadays. Although it is frequently used to improve the colour of pulses, the synthetic dye metanil yellow, which is not approved, can have negative health effects. Consumer education regarding the dangers of food adulteration and effective methods for identifying dangerous ingredients has been undertaken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Easy house checks can help buyers ensure the safety and quality of their food - also knowledge and teaching has been key in the fight against food mixing. People can protect their own and their family's health by using the right procedures to check for the presence of Metanil Yellow in pulses. It is important to understand this test because taking Metanil Yellow can cause cancer, harm to the nervous system, and stomach problems, among other health problems.
Metanil Yellow And Its Risks
The textile and paper industries are the main users of the industrial dye metanil yellow. It is very dangerous to consumers’ health whenever it is used in cases of food adulteration. This fake stuff causes stomach issues, bad skin, and breathing troubles, and can ͏also cause cancer. Some dishonest dealers still use it to make pulses look fresher and more enticing to consumers, even though it is prohibited for use in food goods.
FSSAI's Simple Detection Method
Step 1
To begin the process of testing pulses for Metanil Yellow, you'll first need to take a sample. Weigh one gram of the pulse you wish to test first. The precise amount of the sample can be ensured by using a weighing scale or balance. Then, put the 1-gram pulse sample into a sterile test tube. Since there are numerous types of pulses in the market, such as urad dal, toor dal, and moong dal, which are frequently tainted with this dye, selecting the right kind is essential. Once the sample is in the test tube, you will fill it with lukewarm water.
Step 2
The next crucial step is to vortex the contents of the test tube after adding lukewarm water to the pulse sample. To make sure the water completely combines with the broken pulse sample, gently shake or swirl the test tube. Vortexing facilitates the breakdown of the pulses and improves the extraction of any impurities, such as the artificial dye Metanil Yellow, if it is present. Allowing the mixture to stand for a moment after thoroughly mixing the ingredients is crucial. Any soluble dyes in the sample can be absorbed by the water if the mixture is left to sit for ten to fifteen minutes.
Step 3
A few drops of strong hydrochloric acid (HCl) are then added to the prepared solution in the test tube. A chemical reagent called hydrochloric acid will react with Metanil Yellow if it is present in the solution. Being a powerful acid, HCl should be handled carefully when added; for further safety, gloves and goggles are recommended. Keep a tight eye on the mixture after adding the HCl. A key part of this test process is seeing any possible colour changes.
Step 4
There won't be any noticeable colour change in the test tube if the pulses are pure. Depending on the pulse sample's inherent colour, the solution will stay clear to slightly yellowish. On the other hand, the solution will turn a clear pink if Metanil Yellow is present. The dye's presence and, thus, the pulses' adulteration are shown by this colour change.
Prevention And Consumer Awareness
With this information, customers may make informed choices regarding the quality of the food they buy. It also emphasises how important monitoring is for food safety. People can actively shield themselves and their families from potentially dangerous food adulteration by becoming more aware of the issue and developing the ability to test themselves.
There are more warning indicators to look out for in addition to performing the FSSAI test. Important actions include buying from reputable vendors, verifying FSSAI certification, and looking at the packaging date and quality marks. To assist stop this unlawful practice, consumers can also notify their local food safety authorities of any suspected adulteration cases.
Small actions like testing pulses can result in bigger changes that raise everyone's food standards because food safety is a shared responsibility.