Evaluation of Food Adulteration in Selected Indian Market Samples

Food adulteration is a common problem that affects the safety and quality of daily food items. This study was conducted to examine whether turmeric, chilli powder, and milk available in the market were pure or mixed with unwanted substances. Adulteration may occur when cheaper or harmful materials are added to increase profit, or due to poor hygiene, improper storage, and careless handling. In this study, samples of turmeric, chilli powder, and milk were collected and properly labelled. Along with proper documentation and photography care was taken to ensure the samples remained unchanged during testing. Initially, the samples were examined for color, texture, smell, solubility, and visible impurities. Simple qualitative laboratory tests were then performed based upon FSSI guidelines mostly for artificial colors, heavy metal salts starch, urea, detergent etc. The observations were recorded and compared with prescribed safety parameters. The results showed that a few samples were adulterated, while some were within safe limits. Food adulteration is not only a health issue but also a social concern, affecting public trust and consumer rights. In India, unpacked and roadside food materials form a major part of the market and are not always strictly monitored. Therefore, affordable household testing kits can help consumers detect basic adulteration along with strong monitoring by regulatory agencies.