2024-07-30 07:00:51
The Food Safety Department has taken a major action and seized 50 quintals of fake ghee in Aligarh. It was to be sold in local markets. The department’s team took action and stopped a canter. The canter was filled with 25 drums, each drum of which contained more than 200 liters of fake ghee. The ghee sample has been sent to the lab for testing.
The business of adulteration of food items is in full swing in India. In order to earn more profit, traders adulterate food items with dangerous chemicals and dirty things. Consumption of such things can cause life-threatening health problems like cancer, food poisoning, stomach upset, liver, kidney and intestinal damage.
Adulteration of ghee is a serious problem
Adulteration in ghee is a serious problem. Many times we get adulterated ghee in the name of pure ghee. This is not only harmful for health but is also fraud. Vegetable oil, animal fat, milk powder to increase whiteness and thickness, starch to make it thick, artificial colors to make the color attractive and artificial flavors to enhance the taste are added to ghee.
Disadvantages of consuming adulterated ghee
Consuming such ghee can cause stomach problems like stomach ache, gas, constipation. It can increase cholesterol which increases the risk of heart diseases. It can cause skin problems like allergies and skin rashes. It can cause breathing problems, especially to asthma patients.
Risk of liver and kidney damage
Harmful elements present in adulterated ghee can harm the liver and kidney. Regular consumption of some adulterated substances can disturb the balance of hormones.
Cancer risk
Consuming adulterated ghee for a long time increases the risk of cancer. Adulterated ghee contains more calories, which can lead to weight gain. Real ghee contains many nutrients, which are not present in adulterated ghee. Adulterated ghee contains many harmful elements which can harm the digestive system, heart and kidneys.
How to identify fake ghee
- According to FSSAI, put half a teaspoon of ghee in a glass bowl
- Add 2-3 drops of tincture iodine into it.
- If its color starts turning blue then understand that starch has been added to it
Other ways to identify fake ghee
The colour of pure ghee is golden yellow. If the colour is too bright or white, then one should be suspicious. The smell of pure ghee is fragrant. If the smell is artificial or bad, then understand that the ghee is adulterated. Pure ghee becomes white on cooling and melts on heating. If ghee looks like water on melting, then understand that water has been mixed in it.
The Fridge Test
When pure ghee is kept in the fridge, it hardens and can be cut with a knife. If the ghee remains soft even after keeping it in the fridge, it may be adulterated. Another way is to put a spoonful of ghee in a glass of hot water. If the ghee dissolves in the water, it is adulterated. The third way is that when pure ghee is heated on fire, it melts slowly and no smoke comes out of it. If the ghee melts quickly and smoke comes out of it, it is adulterated.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.