Some of the products consumed are adulterated and this can be known with the help of simple tests. Similar to other products, saffron is adulterated with maize cob causing symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, and gas. Hence, FSSAI has decided to introduce some tests that help every household consume safe food products.
Here is an easy trick to know whether the saffron you use is adulterated or not.
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Take 2 glass jars with hot water, filled 70-80%
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Add a few strands of the saffron both the jar.
Results
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If saffron immediately releases red colour in the water, it is adulterated.
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If Saffron releases typical saffron colour, it is unadulterated.
Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs, says “While saffron is adulterated with maize cob, the powdered saffron is adulterated with natural colours. Adulteration has different types such as economic, microbiological, and poisonous. All these types are likely to leave adverse consequences on the health of humans. It becomes difficult for the common man to know whether the products are adulterated or not. Even conducting professional tests for the household is not possible, due to which FBOs and the food industry are guided to adhere to the principles.”
Equinox Labs is a leading FSSAI Approved and NABL Accredited Food, Water, and Air Testing Lab with 16+ years of experience. With a PAN-India presence, they are also Industry Leaders in Food Safety Auditing and FoSTaC Training.
He further added, “When the demand for product increases, to increase the supply, adulteration is conducted. The adulterated products do have different textures, colours, and tastes. Though a food product might appear appealing, consumption causes effects such as liver damage, heart disorder, and other health issues. FSSAI assures that the food testing laboratories in India conduct tests for adulteration whenever a new product is launched or the older product is re-designed. Yet, the cases of adulteration are increasing. To keep the consumers informed and to make the right choice, following the small tips and tricks to ensure household products are adulterated or not is quite helpful.”
