This is a spicy development.
A study conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK discovered that seven popular spices and herbs that are commonly sold in the US as well are frequently packed with fake ingredients.
Oregano, black pepper, chilli powder, saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin are the spices consumers should be on the lookout for.
Experts even think the flavorings in the dodgy seasonings contain chemicals that may lead to a higher risk of cancer or fatal allergic reactions.
The investigation, part of the Surveillance Sampling Project, tested 1,215 food samples sold at supermarkets in Ireland.
Dr. Terry McGrath, chief scientific officer for leading food testing company Bia Analytical, told the Daily Mail that the fake spices are more commonly found in “smaller retailers without the capability or quality processes to assess the risk.”
13 percent of oregano samples were found to contain olive leaves and other unknown plants.
Dr. McGarth said fake oregano is extremely difficult to spot.
Consumers are recommended to buy oregano from more reputable supermarkets.
Per the study, black pepper samples were contaminated with dried berries and papaya seeds, while saffron samples had cheap corn husk silk and cotton threads.
It’s suggested that consumers crush the black pepper seeds since fake seeds will crack easily.
Chilli powder samples contained red lead oxide and dyes. Artificial chilli powder can be exposed by pouring a few drops of iodine on it. Real chilli powder will stay reddish-brown, while fake chilli powder will change color.
Turmeric samples contained yellow chalk and toxic dyes. The chalk can be revealed by mixing the turmeric with white vinegar or hydrochloric acid drain cleaner, which will cause the formation of bubbles of CO2.
Cinnamon samples contained toxic bark and flavored oils. Real cinnamon can be recognized by its thinness and delicateness. Fake cinnamon is much thicker and rougher.
Lastly, cumin samples were found to have nutshells, grass seeds and ash. Some also had shells of peanuts, pecans and walnuts which can cause allergic reactions.
Experts recommend rubbing cumin seeds in the palm of a hand. The fake seeds will leave dark stains, since they’re filled with the ash.
