Adulterated Turmeric and Chili Powder Seized in Pakistani Spice Manufacturing Plant
According to a newspaper report, a spice factory in Kot Abdul Malik (Punjab, Pakistan) was found adding undeclared rice hull to turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) and chili (Capsicum spp., Solanaceae) powders during a raid by the Punjab Food Authority. The raid team sealed the manufacturing plant on account of adulteration and recovered around 3,000 kg of fraudulent herbal ingredients, including 1,700 kg rice hulls, and 1,250 kg tainted turmeric. The adulterated products were sold to local hotels and dhabas (food stops along highways often serving Punjabi food).
Comment: The addition of rice hulls as an undeclared bulking agent for powdered turmeric is yet another way to adulterate this important spice and medicinal plant. Talcum, and a number of starches, e.g., corn (Zea mays, Poaceae), wheat (Triticum aestivum, Poaceae), rice (Oryza sativa, Poaceae), or tapioca (Manihot esculenta, Euphorbiaceae) starch are reportedly used in a similar fashion.2,3 While detection of such fraud using a microscope is relatively easy, the businesses which tend to purchase such low-cost turmeric powders may not have the instrumentation and expertise to perform adequate quality control.
References
- Anonymous. Spurious spices factory sealed. The News International [online]. Lahore, Pakistan: Jang Group of Newspapers. 2019. Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/549095-spurious-spices-factory-sealed. Accessed April 1, 2020.
- Bejar E. Adulteration of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Root and Rhizome, and Root and Rhizome Extracts. Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletin. Austin, TX: ABC-AHPNCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program. 2018; 1-11.
- Cardellina II JH. Turmeric raw material and products laboratory guidance document. Austin, TX: ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program. 2020:1-13.
