Adulteration of Spices: A Review

Abstract

Food is one of the basic needs for every living being and is very important aspect for life. But now a day’s foods are affected by different adulterants. Adulteration is a substance which reduces the vital importance of food. Adulterants like metanil yellow (an artificial colour) is used to intensify the colour of the turmeric powder also adulterants like chalk powder, brick powder and toxic substances are added to gain profit and to lower the cost so as to compete with the market. Such adulterants can lead to anaemia, paralysis, brain damage, stomach disorders and also cancer. Spices may also be contaminated because of conditions under which they are cultivated and harvested. Contaminated spices have been reported to cause some diseases and spoilage caused by food. This article provides some information about adulteration of spices.