World Food Safety Day 2024: 5 ways to spot adulterated food items

Food safety is a universal concern that impacts individuals from diverse backgrounds and economic statuses. Every year, on June 7th, the global community commemorates World Food Safety Day, emphasising the importance of raising awareness about the dangers associated with consuming contaminated food products. Adulteration involves the addition of harmful substances or the dilution of food items with inferior or dangerous materials for financial gain. Identifying adulterated food can be difficult, but with proper knowledge and attentiveness, consumers can safeguard themselves and their loved ones from potential health risks.
Here are five ways to spot adulterated food items across different categories:

Milk and Dairy Products:

Milk and dairy products are essential sources of nutrients like calcium and protein. However, they are also common targets for adulteration. To identify adulterated milk and dairy products, consumers should:

• Check for consistency: Genuine milk typically has a consistent texture and colour. If the milk appears unusually thin or watery, it may have been adulterated with water.
• Conduct a purity test: Perform simple tests like the milk adulteration test using a few drops of milk on a polished surface. If the milk leaves a residue or appears to have been mixed with other substances, it may be adulterated.
• Examine packaging: Look for seals of quality assurance and authenticity on milk packaging. Tampered or damaged packaging may indicate potential adulteration.

Spices and Condiments:

Spices and condiments add flavour and aroma to our meals, but they can also be susceptible to adulteration. Here's how to spot adulterated spices:

• Smell and taste: Genuine spices often have a strong aroma and flavour. If the spice lacks its characteristic scent or taste, it may have been adulterated with inferior substances.
• Check for impurities: Inspect spices for unusual colours, foreign particles, or signs of contamination. Adulterated spices may contain added fillers or contaminants.
• Purchase from reputable sources: Buy spices from trusted vendors or reputable brands known for their quality and authenticity.

Fruits and Vegetables:

Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet, but they can harbour pesticides and other contaminants if not handled properly. To spot adulterated fruits and vegetables:

• Inspect appearance: Look for signs of spoilage, discolouration, or unnatural blemishes on the surface of fruits and vegetables. These may indicate the presence of pesticides or other chemicals.
• Wash thoroughly: Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water and use a vegetable brush to remove dirt, pesticides, and surface contaminants.
• Choose organic options: Opt for organic produce whenever possible, as they are less likely to contain synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

Cooking Oils:

Cooking oils are commonly adulterated with cheaper substitutes or additives to increase profits. To ensure the purity of cooking oils:

• Conduct a purity test: Test the purity of cooking oil by heating a small quantity and observing its behaviour. Genuine cooking oils typically have a consistent viscosity and do not produce excessive smoke or foaming when heated.
• Check for clarity: Genuine cooking oils are clear and free from impurities. Cloudy or hazy appearance may indicate adulteration.
• Verify certifications: Look for quality certifications or seals of authenticity on cooking oil packaging. Certified oils undergo rigorous testing to ensure purity and quality.

Packaged and Processed Foods:

Packaged and processed foods often contain additives and preservatives to enhance flavour, texture, and shelf life. However, they may also be adulterated with harmful substances. To identify adulterated packaged foods:

• Read labels carefully: Scrutinise the ingredient list for unfamiliar additives, artificial colours, or preservatives. Avoid products with a long list of chemical additives.
• Check for tampering: Inspect the packaging for signs of tampering, such as broken seals, punctures, or damaged packaging. Tampered products may have been adulterated or contaminated.
• Choose whole foods: Whenever possible, opt for whole foods and minimally processed products to reduce the risk of consuming adulterated ingredients.

Ensuring food safety requires vigilance, awareness, and informed consumer choices. By following these guidelines and staying informed about potential adulteration practices, consumers can protect themselves and their families from the risks associated with consuming adulterated food items. Let's make every day a food-safe day.