Adulteration Detection Method By FSSAI In Cumin Seed
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The spice industry trade is getting more worried about food adulteration. In addition to altering the taste and nutritional content of spices, adulteration may be harmful to one's health. A common ingredient in many kitchens, cumin seeds are frequently adulterated, lowering their quality and safety. 

Artificially coloured grass seeds are one of the most prominent adulterants in cumin seeds. To guarantee the purity of cumin seeds, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has created easy-to-use screening techniques that consumers can employ at home. When buying spices, it's essential to know how to see these mix-ups to keep food safe and get the best value.

Cumin Adulteration

The most common method of adulterating cumin seeds is to use less expensive materials, such as grass seeds, which are then dyed to resemble real cumin. Adulterators frequently add artificial colouring or charcoal dust to give cumin seeds their distinctive brown hue. This fraud can harm people's health in addition to deceiving them financially. The adulterants may contain dangerous ingredients and, if consistently eaten, could have negative effects.

Detection Method

The FSSAI suggests the palm test as a simple way to identify adulterated cumin seeds.

Materials Needed

  • A small quantity of cumin seeds
  • Clean palm for testing

Place a small amount of cumin seeds on your palm to do this test. Rub the seeds between your palms to start the process. This makes it easier for any dust or colouring from the corrupted seeds to get onto your skin. After rubbing, pay close attention to the outcome. The colour of your palm won't alter if the cumin seeds are genuine and unadulterated. The absence of foreign substances will be indicated by the skin's continued cleanliness. However, the charcoal dust used to colour the grass seeds will cause your palm to become noticeably black if the cumin seeds are dirty.

Health Impacts

Hazardous substances or carcinogens may be present in the artificial colours and materials used in adulteration. Spices should not be mixed with any prohibited item because taking them harms one's health. Although not always harmful, grass seeds can upset sensitive people's stomachs and trigger allergic reactions. In addition, the presence of charcoal dust also brings out questions regarding possible pollutants that can have an impact on general health.

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Precautions

Purchase cumin seeds from reliable suppliers and branded goods that follow FSSAI regulations to prevent buying adulterated seeds. Check the packaging for the FSSAI certification. To preserve their original colour and scent, store purchased cumin seeds in airtight containers out of direct sunlight. Whenever possible, buy whole cumin seeds instead of powdered powder because it's simpler to spot adulteration in entire seeds. Check for cumin's distinctive aromatic scent, as artificially coloured alternatives frequently don't have it.

Inform the FSSAI or your local food safety authority if you find adulterated cumin seeds in your purchase. Save the product's receipt and packing as proof. If consumers are attentive and report such products, then food adulteration will be prevented.