Now Reading: FSSAI home test checks jaggery for baking soda adulteration
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FSSAI home test checks jaggery for baking soda adulteration
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has publicised a simple home test to detect baking soda in jaggery. Crush a quarter teaspoon of jaggery in a small glass, add…
The Story in Brief
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has publicised a simple home test to detect baking soda in jaggery. Crush a quarter teaspoon of jaggery in a small glass, add about 3 ml of hydrochloric acid, and watch for bubbles or fizzing; any effervescence indicates the presence of sodium bicarbonate, an adulterant used to lighten colour or add weight. A clean sample shows no reaction.
FSSAI cautions that the DIY test cannot guarantee complete purity, only laboratory analysis can do that. The regulator advises consumers to check FSSAI licence details on packaged jaggery and buy from reliable sellers. Those who suspect adulteration can approach food-safety authorities for testing.
The Indian Opinion
The instant-fizz test is a useful first check, but it feeds a lazy narrative that all unorganised jaggery is suspect. The real problem is that honest producers face the same suspicion as adulterators. Consumers now have a tool, but they should also ask: where is the enforcement? FSSAI lists many adulterants, yet only the baking-soda test is going viral. The number of actual prosecutions will tell us whether the regulator is serious or just handing out kitchen tricks.
Source: businesstoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
