Celebrate Safely: Hidden dangers in Diwali sweets

Festivities fall prey to rising adulteration

Society

October 25, 2024

/ By / New Delhi

Celebrate Safely: Hidden dangers in Diwali sweets

Ingredients commonly used in sweets, such as milk, sugar, and various nuts, are at higher risk for contamination (Photo : Wikimedia)

As Diwali approaches, the excitement and anticipation for the cherished festival grow, leading to a surge in demand for traditional sweets and treats. However, this heightened consumer interest also leads to rising adulteration by vendors seeking to make a quick buck. As people prepare for the festivities, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the quality of the treats they purchase.

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With Diwali approaching, excitement is palpable as people across the country prepare for one of the most cherished festivals. This surge in anticipation has led to heightened demand for all kinds of products in markets, placing significant pressure on retailers and producers to meet consumer needs.

But few products can match the demand for sweets in this period and as shop owners, sweet makers and other retailers strive to stock their shelves, the challenge of balancing quality with cost-effectiveness becomes increasingly difficult. In order to cater to this overwhelming demand while also maximising profits, numerous vendors have turned to adulterating ingredients with hazardous chemicals and substances and providing substandard products.

This practice not only undermines the quality of traditional Diwali treats but also poses serious health risks to consumers. Consumers should be particularly vigilant about the quality of certain products while shopping for Diwali treats, as these items can often be heavily adulterated.

Ingredients commonly used in sweets, such as milk, sugar, and various nuts, are at higher risk for contamination. Adulteration not only compromises the taste and authenticity of these festive treats but also poses serious health risks.

Milk Products

Milk Products

Milk products like ghee, mawa, and khoya are often adulterated to enhance texture and increase quantity (Photo : Canva)

Milk products like ghee, mawa, and khoya are often adulterated to enhance texture and increase quantity. Common adulterants include water, urea, caustic soda and even detergents, which are sometimes added to milk.

Mawa, a key ingredient in many Indian sweets like barfi and gulab jamun, is particularly susceptible to adulteration with substances like starch, blotting paper, and even chalk. While it is nutritious, the presence of fake mawa in the market poses significant health risks. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regularly seizes large quantities of adulterated mawa, and reports indicate that this year, the problem persists.

Such adulteration can lead to serious health issues, including stomach disorders, allergic reactions, psychological issues and potential effects on the nervous system.

Honey

Honey

Consuming honey that has been adulterated can cause severe health issues (Photo : Canva)

During Diwali, honey is often used during Puja, and is even added to sweets and other Diwali treats. However, pure honey is extremely tough to secure and is often priced at high values.

Due to this situation, most of the honey that is available in markets today is adulterated to increase its quantity and shelf life. The substances used for purpose include molasses sugar, cheap syrups and water.

Consuming honey that has been adulterated can cause severe health issues including increased blood sugar, high blood pressure, chronic diseases and in extreme cases blood related disorders and organ failures.

A 2020 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that 77 pc of honey samples tested were adulterated with sugar syrup. The study tested 13 brands of honey, including Dabur, Patanjali, Baidyanath, Zandu, Hitkari, and Apis Himalaya.

Vark

Vark

Vark is a thin edible sheet of pure silver  (Photo : Wikimedia)

During Diwali and in general there are several sweets available in the market which are usually covered with a thin layer of silver known as vark normally used to make to make sweets look attractive and increase their nutritional value.

Vark is a thin edible sheet of pure silver, sometimes even gold made from hard pounding silver into fragile 0.2-0.8 micrometres thick sheet. To reduce production costs and increase the quantity of this substance, vendors tend to replace silver with aluminium foil, which can cause serious health issues.

Jaggery

Jaggery

However due increased demand especially during the festive season, adulterated forms of jaggery have made their way to the markets (Photo : Canva)

A traditional, unrefined sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, Jaggery, is often used in many households as a replacement for sugar. The sweetener is a popular choice owing to its rich aroma, taste and high nutritional value.

However due increased demand especially during the festive season, adulterated forms of jaggery have made their way to the markets. The sweetener can be adulterated with mineral oils, artificial colours, rock salts and harmful chemicals.

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