AMC raid exposes adulterated turmeric and cashew stock worth nearly ₹10 lakh

With the spice-packing season nearing its end, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has seized around 3,900 kg of suspected adulterated food stock, including turmeric and broken cashew pieces, from a warehouse in Madhupura. Officials said the total estimated value of the seized stock is around ₹9.9 lakh.

AMC officials said the food stock was found during an inspection at Avinash Masala Godown in Madhupura. The seized items included nearly 2,500 kg of turmeric and 1,400 kg of broken cashew pieces.

Turmeric sample found unsafe

Samples collected during the raid were sent to AMC’s Public Health Laboratory for analysis under the Food Safety Act. Test results showed that the turmeric sample contained 84.80 per cent starch, which officials said was unusually high.

AMC health officer Dr Tejas Shah said the turmeric sample was found unfit for consumption. The laboratory report for the cashew sample is still awaited.

Officials stated that natural turmeric generally contains around 40–60% starch carbohydrates. However, the seized sample showed significantly higher starch levels, prompting concerns over deliberate adulteration.

Tests also reportedly detected the presence of wheat flour and gram flour (besan) in the turmeric, suggesting that cheaper substances had been added.

Suspected distribution of low-cost adulterated turmeric

Authorities suspect that the adulterated turmeric was being supplied to the market at unusually low prices compared to the prevailing market rate of ₹300–₹400 per kilogram.

Officials also said the trader was allegedly operating without a valid food licence.

Following the seizure, officials are expected to take further legal action under food safety laws.

Health concerns linked to adulterated turmeric

Curcumin, the compound responsible for turmeric’s medicinal properties and characteristic yellow colour, can be significantly reduced when turmeric is mixed with excessive starch or fillers.

Food safety experts warned that mixing turmeric with rice starch, corn starch, wheat flour or gram flour lowers the nutritional and medicinal value of turmeric. Consumption of heavily adulterated turmeric may also pose health risks.

How to identify pure turmeric at home

Check the colour: Pure turmeric usually has a deep yellow or orange-yellow colour. Very pale turmeric may be adulterated.

Smell the turmeric: Pure turmeric has a strong natural smell. A weak or artificial smell may mean it has been mixed with other substances.

Try the water test: Add a spoonful of turmeric powder to a glass of water. Pure turmeric usually settles at the bottom after some time. If the water quickly turns very yellow, artificial colour may have been added.