Diwali Sweets Adulteration-Ten Easy Home Tests to Ensure Purity-

New Delhi,Oct.18,2025:Diwali, the festival of lights, is synonymous with the joy of sharing sweets with loved ones. However, the festive season also sees a surge in the sale of sweets, leading to increased instances of adulteration. Consumers often unknowingly purchase adulterated sweets, which can pose serious health risks. This article aims to educate consumers on how to detect adulteration in Diwali sweets through simple home tests, ensuring a safe and joyous celebration-

Common Adulterants in Diwali Sweets

Several substances are commonly used to adulterate sweets during Diwali-

• Starch: Added to khoya (mawa) to increase volume.
• Detergents: Used to whiten milk and create foam.
• Synthetic Milk: Contains harmful chemicals like urea and detergent.
• Artificial Colores: Used to enhance the appearance of sweets.
• Aluminium Foil: Substituted for silver foil on sweets.
• Synthetic Honey: Mixed with sugar syrup to mimic pure honey.

Simple Home Tests to Detect Adulteration

Milk Adulteration Tests

1. Water Test: Place a drop of milk on a polished or slanting surface. If it moves slowly and leaves behind a white trail, your milk is likely pure. If it flows quickly without leaving any mark, it may be mixed with water.
2. Detergent Test: Mix equal parts of milk and water in a clean bottle. Shake well. If it produces thick, foamy bubbles like soap, it could contain detergent, one of the most common adulterants. Pure milk forms only a thin frothy layer.
3. Starch Test: Add a few drops of iodine solution to your milk sample. If the liquid turns blue, it means starch is present, added to thicken diluted milk and make it look creamier.
4. Texture Test: Rub a few drops between your fingers. Adulterated milk feels slippery or soapy. Upon boiling, it may turn yellowish and leave a bitter or chemical aftertaste.

Khoya (Mawa) Purity Tests

1. Dissolution Test: Dissolve a small piece of khoya in water and heat it. Pure khoya will dissolve smoothly, while adulterated versions may show residue or strange textures.
2. Iodine Test: Add a few drops of iodine solution to a small amount of khoya. If the colour changes to blue, starch is present, indicating adulteration.
3. Sulfuric Acid Test: Place a small amount of khoya in a container and add a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid. A change in colour can indicate the presence of harmful chemicals.

Ghee Purity Tests

1. Iodine Test: Take a small amount of ghee in a transparent glass container. Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution. If the colour changes to blue, it indicates the presence of starch or other adulterants.
2. Texture Test: Pure ghee has a granular texture and melts at room temperature. If the ghee feels greasy or has an unusual texture, it may be adulterated.

Honey Purity Tests

1. Water Test: Place a drop of honey in a glass of water. If it dissolves quickly, it may be adulterated with sugar syrup. Pure honey will settle at the bottom.
2. Flame Test: Dip a cotton wick into honey and light it. If the honey is pure, the wick will burn without producing smoke. Adulterated honey may not burn properly. Sugar and Jaggery Purity Tests

1. Chalk Powder Test: Dissolve a small amount of sugar or jaggery in water. If chalk powder is present, it will settle at the bottom.
2. Acid Test: Add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid to a sample of sugar or jaggery. A change in colour indicates the presence of harmful substances. Silver Foil Purity Tests

1. Rubbing Test: Take a small piece of silver foil and rub it between your fingers. If it turns into a powder, it is pure silver. If it remains intact or forms beads, it may contain aluminium.
2. Burn Test: Burn a small piece of silver foil. If it burns completely, it is pure silver. If it leaves behind a residue, it may be adulterated.

• Saffron Purity Tests

1. Water Test: Place a few strands of saffron in a glass of warm water. Pure saffron will release its colour slowly, while artificial saffron will release colour quickly and may have a chemical odor.
2. Burn Test: Burn a strand of saffron. Pure saffron will burn completely, leaving no residue. Artificial saffron may leave behind a residue or produce a chemical odor.

Health Risks of Consuming Adulterated Sweets

Consuming adulterated sweets can lead to various health issues, including-

• Digestive Problems: Adulterants like starch and detergents can cause bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.
• Allergic Reactions: Artificial colours and chemicals can trigger allergies and skin reactions.
• Long-Term Health Issues: Consuming harmful chemicals over time can lead to liver and kidney damage, and increase the risk of cancer.

Government Initiatives and Consumer Awareness

To combat the issue of adulteration, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched various initiatives-

• Surveillance and Monitoring: Regular inspections and raids are conducted to check for adulteration in sweets and other food items.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: FSSAI conducts campaigns to educate consumers about the risks of adulteration and how to detect it.
• Helpline Services: Consumers can report adulterated products through FSSAI’s helpline and WhatsApp services.

This Diwali, ensure the safety of your festive treats by conducting simple home tests to detect adulteration in sweets. By being vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the health risks associated with adulterated food. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in ensuring a sweet and safe celebration.