Here are some simple home tests to check for adulteration in spices:

1. Turmeric Powder (Adulterant: Lead Chromate)

✔ Test: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm water. Let it settle. If yellow residue settles at the bottom, it may be adulterated.
✔ Effect: Lead chromate is harmful and can cause severe health issues, including cancer.

2. Red Chili Powder (Adulterant: Brick Powder or Sudan Dye)

✔ Test for Brick Powder: Add a spoon of chili powder to water. If brick powder is present, it will settle at the bottom.
✔ Test for Sudan Dye: Rub a small amount of chili powder in a wet cloth. If it leaves a dark red stain, it may contain Sudan dye, a banned carcinogen.

3. Coriander Powder (Adulterant: Dried Stalk Powder)

✔ Test: Take a pinch of coriander powder and rub it between your fingers. If it feels gritty, it may have ground stalks added to increase weight.

4. Black Pepper (Adulterant: Dried Papaya Seeds)

✔ Test: Drop black pepper in water. Pure pepper sinks, while papaya seeds float.

5. Asafoetida (Hing) (Adulterant: Soapstone or Foreign Resins)

✔ Test: Burn a small amount of hing on a spoon. Pure hing burns like camphor, leaving no residue, while adulterated hing leaves white ash.

6. Cumin Seeds (Adulterant: Grass Seeds with Black Polish)

✔ Test: Rub cumin seeds on a white paper. If black color comes off, it’s likely adulterated.

7. Mustard Seeds (Adulterant: Argemone Seeds, which are toxic)

✔ Test: Press mustard seeds between your fingers. Pure seeds are yellow inside, while argemone seeds are white.

These are simple ways to detect common adulterants at home. If you suspect food adulteration, you can also report it to FSSAI via the “Food Safety Connect” app.