Nutrition dietitian and child care expert Dr. Archita Mahajan, who has been nominated for the Padma Bhushan National Award and honored by multiple state governments, has issued a strong public health warning against the use of adulterated ginger-garlic paste available in markets.
Dr. Mahajan stated that despite knowing the health risks, many people prefer ready-made ginger-garlic paste packets instead of preparing fresh paste at home, which takes only a few minutes. She warned that several commercially available products may contain harmful chemicals and low-quality ingredients that can seriously affect health.
Her warning comes after a recent food safety crackdown in Hyderabad, where authorities uncovered a unit allegedly manufacturing adulterated ginger-garlic paste under highly unhygienic conditions. During a raid conducted by the Khairatabad Zone Commissioner’s Task Force on March 17, a 42-year-old man identified as Mohammad Zafar Alam was arrested for producing and supplying contaminated paste.
Officials reported that the paste was being prepared in plastic containers under unsafe conditions using chemicals such as citric acid, salt, and harmful additives including titanium dioxide and mono citrate. According to food safety authorities, the use of such substances violates Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines.
Health Risks of Adulterated Ginger-Garlic Paste
Dr. Mahajan explained that consuming adulterated paste can cause several health problems, including:
- Gas, acidity, diarrhea, and digestive disorders
- Food poisoning and stomach infections due to unhygienic preparation
- Allergies, skin issues, and breathing difficulties caused by chemical contamination
- Long-term damage to liver and kidney functions
She added that chemicals like Titanium Dioxide, used to enhance whiteness and texture, may damage DNA and increase cancer risks according to research findings. Excess preservatives such as acetic acid can also irritate the digestive system.
Loss of Natural Health Benefits
Adulteration reduces the natural medicinal benefits of ginger and garlic, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immunity against infections.
How to Check Purity at Home
Dr. Mahajan shared simple methods to detect adulteration:
- Iodine Test: Add iodine drops to the paste. Blue or black color indicates starch presence.
- Water Test: If white powder settles at the bottom, flour or fillers may be mixed.
- Smell Check: Sour or chemical odor suggests poor-quality ingredients.
- Color Check: Pure paste appears off-white or ivory, not overly bright white or yellow.
- Label Verification: Always choose products with valid FSSAI certification.
She advised consumers to prepare fresh paste at home whenever possible and remain cautious while purchasing processed food products.
