Jaggery is a popular ingredient in Indian homes and is used all year round. It adds a natural sweetness to traditional desserts. Many people value it not just for its taste but also for its health benefits. However, as jaggery has become more popular, there are worries about it being mixed with other substances or adulterated.
Jaggery is sometimes mixed with things like washing powder or baking soda, which lowers its quality. To help people check for this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has shared an easy home test to detect adulteration.
To check if jaggery has been mixed with washing powder, you can take about 2 grams of jaggery and put it in a test tube. Then, you add a little bit of hydrochloric acid. If the jaggery is pure, nothing happens and no bubbles appear. But if it has been adulterated with any substance, bubbles will form. This happens because the baking soda reacts with the acid, producing carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbles.
Similarly, to check if jaggery contains baking soda, FSSAI suggests taking a small amount of crushed jaggery and put it in a test tube. Add a few millilitres of hydrochloric acid and if it contains baking soda, bubbles will show up. This easy method helps people identify whether their jaggery is genuine or has been mixed with unwanted substances.
Jaggery is often mixed with such substances because it is expensive and in high demand, especially during certain seasons. Some dishonest makers add cheaper ingredients to make it look better, feel smoother or increase its weight.
To avoid buying fake jaggery, it is important to take a few precautions. Always check that the packaged jaggery has a valid FSSAI licence number and avoid that looks too bright or shiny, as this may mean it has added colours or chemicals. It is better to buy from trusted brands or sellers who are known for good quality. Choosing darker jaggery is also safer, as it is less processed.
Baking soda is commonly used in cooking and baking at home, but consuming too much of it can be harmful. It may raise blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with heart problems and can also cause stomach issues such as bloating, gas, cramps and nausea.
If you find jaggery that looks fake or has poor quality, you can report it to the authorities. Complaints can be made through FSSAI’s online portal, their mobile app or by contacting the local food safety department.
