Identification of adulteration in sugarImage Credit source: Pexels
Adulteration In Sugar: Sugar is generally used in every household. From making tea to making anything sweet…sugar is an important part of Indian homes. But sugar that enhances taste can become a threat to health. Yes, adulteration is now being seen in many things in the market, which includes sugar. Sugar is being adulterated with chalk powder, washing soda and plastic pieces, which can cause many stomach related problems if consumed.
Consumption of adulterated sugar can have adverse effects not only on the stomach but also on the kidneys and digestion. In such a situation, it is important that after purchasing sugar, it should be checked properly. In this article, we are going to tell you some ways to identify adulteration in sugar, so that you too can avoid eating adulterated sugar.
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What does FSSAI report say?
According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), some traders add many types of adulterants to sugar to increase the weight, increase shine or reduce the cost. In reports and awareness campaigns, chalk powder, washing soda, white sand, starch and artificial whitening chemicals have been specifically mentioned. In some cases, complaints of fake particles like plastic have also come to light.
Methods of identifying adulterated sugar
water test- Add one spoon sugar in a glass of water. If the sugar dissolves completely and a substance like white soil or chalk remains deposited below, then it may be adulterated. Because pure sugar usually dissolves without leaving any white matter.
Palm rubbing test- Take some sugar on your palm and rub it. If a white powder-like mark remains on the hand or a greasy feeling is felt, then chalk powder or washing soda may have been mixed in it.
Check by burning- Heat one spoon sugar in a spoon. Pure sugar turns caramel color when heated, while adulterated sugar may give off a strange smell, black smoke or an ash-like layer.
Pay attention to color and brightness– Very bright and unusually white sugar may contain chemical bleaching agents. Because the color of natural sugar is light off-white or normal white, whereas excessive brightness can be a sign of adulteration.
Effect of adulterated sugar on health
According to FSSAI, continuous consumption of adulterated sugar can cause problems like stomach problems, gas, indigestion, effect on kidneys and accumulation of chemicals in the body. Such sugar is considered more harmful especially for children, elderly and diabetic patients. Therefore, while buying from the market, it is important to pay attention not only to the price but also to the quality and purity.
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