Jaggery, commonly known as gur, is widely used in Indian kitchens as a natural alternative to refined sugar. However, experts warn that jaggery sold in markets may sometimes be adulterated with substances such as washing soda, baking soda, sugar, or chalk powder to improve colour, texture, or weight.
According to India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), consumers can perform simple home tests to check whether jaggery is pure or contaminated with additives.
One such method involves a chemical reaction test. Take a small portion of crushed jaggery in a test tube or glass and add a few drops of hydrochloric acid. If bubbles appear, it may indicate the presence of baking soda or similar chemicals, because sodium bicarbonate reacts with acid to release carbon dioxide gas. Pure jaggery does not produce bubbles in this test.
Food safety experts warn that consuming adulterated jaggery may cause health issues. Detergent or washing powder can irritate the digestive system and throat, while excessive baking soda intake may lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, and increased blood pressure in some individuals.To reduce the risk, authorities recommend buying jaggery from trusted sources, avoiding unusually bright or shiny blocks, and checking for a valid FSSAI licence number on packaged products.
