- Download Kedia Pavitra App.
- |
-
App Store - |
-
Play Store - |
- Toll Free: 1800 120 2727
App Store Play Store 
In the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine, red chilli powder is a staple, adding both colour and heat to our dishes. However, recent revelations have cast a shadow over its purity. In January 2025, FSSAI ordered Patanjali Foods to recall a batch of red chilli powder due to non-compliance with safety standards. Earlier, in May 2024, a factory in Balotra was found illegally manufacturing red chilli powder by combining husk and rangoli colours. These incidents underscore a growing concern: the adulteration of red chilli powder.
To safeguard your health, it's essential to be aware of common adulterants and how to detect them. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) provide several home tests to help consumers identify adulteration in red chilli powder.
The FSSAI recommends the following simple tests to check the purity of red chilli powder:
Procedure: Add a spoonful of red chilli powder to a glass of water and let it settle.
Interpretation: Pure chilli powder will settle at the bottom, while adulterants like brick powder or artificial colour will float or dissolve, colouring the water.
Procedure: Rub a small amount of chilli powder on your palm.
Interpretation: If it leaves a bright red stain, it may be artificially coloured. Pure chilli powder leaves a mild, natural stain.
Procedure: Mix a small amount of chilli powder with hydrochloric acid (or lime juice) and water.
Interpretation: Effervescence indicates the presence of chalk powder or washing soda.
Procedure: Taste and smell a small amount of the powder.
Interpretation: Pure chilli powder will have a natural, pungent aroma and a consistent, spicy taste. Adulterated powder may taste bland or gritty due to added fillers.
