What happens when you consume adulterated ghee and oil
Ahead of festivals, Delhi Police in a joint operation with the Food Safety Department of the Delhi Government, raided an illegal ghee manufacturing unit in the Bawana Industrial Area, and seized 7,600 litres of adulterated ghee and 900 litres of oil.
As per reports, a team of the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS), received a tip-off regarding the adulteration of dairy products. The Food Safety Department officials were roped in and they together successfully executed the raid and seized the harmful ghee and oil along with stove, a cylinder, packaging materials, essence, colouring agents, a weighing and sealing machine, and two mixing machines.
It is reported that the factory is registered in the name of Madhav Gupta, 26, a resident of Defence Colony, Delhi and a couple of arrests have also been made. Efforts are underway to arrest the absconding factory owner and trace the distribution network.
Appearance and texture
While adulteration of ghee and other edible items has become quite common, it is important for the masses to take extra care while buying foods. Here are a few tips and tricks one can follow while buying ghee and identify fake ghee.
Traditionally, ghee in its purest form has a golden color, rich and creamy texture. When held against light it should appear translucent and clear. The pale color of ghee could be indicative of preservatives and one should avoid it.
Packaging and label
It is important to pay special attention to the packaging and label of ghee products. A genuine ghee brand will have all major certificates of regulation compliances on it. The license number, date of packaging, expiry should be thoroughly checked before buying ghee.
Aroma and flavor
Naturally, ghee has a nutty flavor and a smooth consistency. The ghee should never smell burnt as it has a high heating point. The burnt smell could be because of the presence of water or addons. Hence, such ghee should be avoided at all costs.
Palm test
Simply, pour frozen ghee on your palm and if it starts melting instantly then the ghee is pure. Else, it is not and such ghee should be avoided.
Water test
Fill a glass of normal water at room temperature, add ghee to it, if the ghee floats it is unadulterated and if it sinks then the ghee is infused with foreign material.
Salt test
Add a pinch of Hyaluronic acid and tablespoon of salt to two spoons of ghee , after 20 minutes check the color of the ghee. If the ghee has turned red it means it is adulterated.
Iodine test
Add two drops of iodine solution to ghee if it turns purple then the ghee has a presence of starch in it.
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