Fatal allergy after haldi ceremony:Bride dies, groom critical; Know how to check if your food is adulterated?

A wedding celebration in Kasrawad, Khargone, turned tragic when several people, including the bride and groom, fell ill during the Haldi ceremony. Soon after turmeric was applied, many developed red rashes, swelling and breathing difficulties. The bride and groom were rushed to MY Hospital in Indore, where the bride died on Wednesday, while the groom remains critical. Preliminary investigation suggests the reaction may have been caused by adulterated turmeric. Doctors have sent turmeric samples to the food department for testing to determine whether harmful chemicals or artificial colours were mixed in it. The incident has also raised wider concerns over adulteration in everyday food items such as spices, milk, ghee and vegetables. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), such adulteration can often be detected through simple tests at home. How to check food adulteration at home 1. How to check spices Ground spices are often adulterated with sawdust or bran. To test this, sprinkle a small amount of spice into a glass of water. Result: 2. How to identify adulterated turmeric Add a small quantity of turmeric to a glass of water. Result: 3. How to check cumin? Cumin may sometimes be adulterated with grass seeds or charcoal powder. To test it, rub a small quantity of cumin gently on your palm. Result: 4. How to check green peas? Artificial colours are sometimes added to green peas. Put a few peas in water and stir properly. Result: 5. How to check vegetables for artificial colour? Vegetables may sometimes be coated with harmful colours such as malachite green. Apply a little liquid paraffin to a small portion of the vegetable and rub it with cotton. Result: 6. How to check red chilli powder? Add a small quantity of red chilli powder to a glass of water. Result: 7. How to check milk for chemicals? Take a small quantity of milk in a test tube and place it in hot water for about five minutes. Result: 8. How to check water adulteration in milk? Place 2-3 drops of milk on a glass plate or slide. Result: 9. How to check starch adulteration in ghee? Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution to a small quantity of ghee. Result: 10. How to check coal tar adulteration in ghee? Mix 2 ml hydrochloric acid (HCL) with 5 ml of ghee and shake well. Result: 11. How to check mustard oil for adulteration? Add 5 ml nitric acid to 5 ml mustard oil and shake the mixture well. Result: (Note: Some food items require common chemicals for testing, which can be easily purchased from the market.)