8 Popular Foods With max Adulteration And How To Find Out
1. Milk
Use a lactometer for water, iodine test for starch, or chemical tests for other adulterants.
2. Honey
Honey often adulterated with syrup. Authentic one crystallizes. Test with water (pure honey won't dissolve fast) or flame (pure honey caramelizes, doesn't burn).
3. Olive Oil
Often mixed with cheaper oils like sunflower or canola oil. Authentic olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator while counterfeit ones might not.
4. Spices
Turmeric, red chili powder, and black pepper are frequently adulterated. Chemical dyes, brick powder, or other ground substances may be added.
5. Fruits and Vegetables
They can be adulterated by adding artificial colors, waxes, or pesticides. Washing thoroughly, observing unnatural shine or colors, and buying from trusted sources are ways to mitigate risks.
6. Tea
Adulteration with used tea leaves, artificial colors, or fillers is common. Authentic tea leaves unfurl when brewed, while fake ones might stay compact. Conducting a simple visual inspection can help.
7. Coffee
Sometimes adulterated with chicory, corn, or barley. Authentic coffee has a characteristic aroma that adulterated versions may lack.
8. Fish and Seafood
Often substituted with cheaper alternatives. Authentication through visual inspection of the fish's texture, smell, and even DNA testing in some cases can help identify adulteration.
