Charcoal dust to cement: Common adulterants used in fake Jeera (Cumin) and how to do purity check

In 2022, a total of 30,260 kilograms of spurious cumin seeds and raw materials were seized from a godown in Unjha, a well-known hub, by the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA). And in January 2024, the police in Maharashtra’s Thane district seized 2,399 kg of adulterated cumin seeds. These are a few instances that indicate the scale at which spice adulteration is going on, and cumin seeds, commonly known as jeera, which are one of the most common spices used in Indian cooking, are being subjected to adulteration, which can cause serious health issues in the long run.

Why cumin adulteration?
As per experts, the sole motive of such adulteration is to maximise the profile, increase the volume of supply in the market and minimise the cost.


Common adulterants used in cumin seeds
Cumin seeds, though rich in flavor and nutrition, are often adulterated to cut costs and increase volume. The common adulterants used for adulteration include:
Grass seeds: These seeds are coated with lead chromate or charcoal powder to mimic cumin’s color and shape, which can be toxic for the human body.

Stone powder or dirt particles: These are added to increase weight and can harm digestion, metabolism, and oral health.

Colored coriander seeds: These are used as a look alike but lack cumin’s flavor and quality.

Starch or husk powder: This is commonly used in cumin powder which reduces purity and may be unsafe if contaminated with other chemicals.
Cement: It is also a common adulterant used in adulteration. It is a cheap, fine gray powder that resembles cumin powder in texture, making it a tempting adulterant.

Artificial coloring agents: These are used to enhance appearance and may contain harmful chemicals.


Cumin adulteration tests at home

Take a look at these 5 simple and easy tests one can implement at home to do purity check of cumin seeds

Water Test: This test can be used to check colored grass seeds. Put a spoonful of cumin seeds in a glass of water. If you notice yellowish color or seeds floating with unnatural color, it may be lead chromate–coated grass seeds.

Rubbing Test: This test can be implemented for charcoal dust. Simply rub some seeds between your palms. If your hands turn black, they may be adulterated with charcoal powder to mimic cumin’s natural color.

Magnifying Glass Test: or this test, use a magnifying glass to closely inspect the seeds.Look for different shapes or textures — adulterants like coriander or grass seeds will often look slightly different from real cumin.

Sedimentation Test: For this test, crush the seeds into powder and mix with water. If stone powder or earthy matter is present, it will settle at the bottom quickly.

Taste & Aroma Test: As per experts, pure cumin has a distinct warm, nutty flavor and strong aroma. If the flavor is flat or off, it may be diluted or mixed with stale/substitute seeds.



Side effects of adulterated cumin
As per experts, adulterants like lead chromate (used to color grass seeds) can cause serious damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system over time. And when it comes to stone powder or dust particles, they can lead to indigestion, constipation, or stomach pain, especially with regular consumption. It is also found that inhaling fine adulterants like charcoal powder while cooking or handling cumin can trigger cough, asthma, or breathing discomfort. And use of chemical colorants may lead to skin rashes, itching, or allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive individuals. When all these adulterants are continuously consumed, they may increase the risk of chronic diseases, weakened immunity, or hormonal imbalances.

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