Turmeric purity test: FSSAI shows how to check if your haldi is pure or adulterated with colours in 2 minutes

Food safety has once again come under the spotlight as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) urged consumers to stay alert about adulteration in everyday spices, especially turmeric.

In a recent post on X, FSSAI highlighted the risks of artificial colours in food and shared a simple home test to identify whether turmeric powder is pure or adulterated.

“Artificial colours have no place in a healthy diet. A quick water test can reveal the truth about turmeric powder. Always check before you use,” the authority said, promoting awareness through its #EatRightIndia campaign.

Why Turmeric Adulteration is a Concern

Turmeric is a staple in most Indian kitchens and is widely used for its health benefits. However, adulteration with artificial colours and harmful substances has become a growing concern.

These added chemicals can make turmeric appear brighter and more appealing but may pose serious health risks over time. Regular consumption of such adulterated products can affect digestion and overall wellbeing.

FSSAI’s Simple Turmeric Water Test at Home

To help consumers identify pure turmeric, FSSAI shared an easy water test that can be done at home in just a few minutes.

Here’s how you can check:

• Take two clear glasses of water
• Add a small quantity of turmeric powder into both glasses
• Let the mixture sit undisturbed for a few minutes

How to Identify Pure vs Adulterated Turmeric

According to FSSAI, the results of the test are quite telling:

• Pure turmeric: The powder will slowly settle at the bottom, turning the water a light yellow colour
• Adulterated turmeric: The water will turn a strong, bright yellow almost instantly, indicating the presence of artificial colours

This simple visual difference can help you quickly assess the quality of turmeric in your kitchen.

Eat Right India: Promoting Safe Food Habits

FSSAI’s initiative is part of its broader “Eat Right India” movement, which focuses on encouraging healthier and safer food choices among consumers.

By sharing such easy DIY tests, the authority aims to empower people to take control of their food safety without needing specialised tools or lab testing.

Tips to Avoid Buying Adulterated Turmeric

Apart from the water test, here are a few simple tips to stay safe:

• Buy turmeric from trusted brands or verified local sources
• Avoid unusually bright yellow powder, which may indicate artificial colouring
• Check packaging details, including FSSAI certification
• Store spices properly to maintain their quality

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

With food adulteration becoming increasingly common, small steps like this quick turmeric test can make a big difference.

Being aware and cautious about what goes into your food is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As FSSAI rightly points out, a few minutes of checking can help you avoid long-term health risks.