How to check if maida and rice flour are adulterated with boric acid

Food adulteration is not just limited to fruits and vegetables. Slowly, it has now entered every part of your kitchen, and today, every ingredient has some sort of adulteration. According to experts, some of which are highly infectious for the human body and consumption of such adulterants need to be stopped at all costs. For instance, theuse of cancer-causing Malachite Green in vegetables. The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently shared a test video, which talks about how to check if your maida (refined flour) and rice flour are adulterated with boric acid or not. This video is a part of an ongoing series by FSSAI called #DetectingFoodAdulterants. (Image: istock)

It is a water-soluble natural white compound that consists of oxygen, boron, and hydrogen. It has antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is used in homeopathic medicines used for treating vaginal discharge and itching. It is irritating to the skin and may cause severe reactions; hence it should be used only under the guidance of a certified professional. As per experts, excessive consumption of boric acid may lead to reproductive problems, kidney damage, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, allergic reaction, burning sensation, central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, and vomiting. (Image: istock)

1. Take 1 gm of maida in a test tube.

2. Add 5 ml of water to it.

3. Shake the contents in the test tube.

4. Now add a few drops of concentrated HCL (Hydrochloric acid).

5. Dip a turmeric paper strip to the solution.

6. No colour change will be observed on the turmeric paper if the maida is unadulterated. However, it will turn red if the maida is adulterated. (Image: istock)