If the laboratory reports of a voluntary organisation of scientists are to be believed, about 74 per cent of the varied food items in the markets of Dehradun were found to be adulterated. A considerable proportion of milk and various dairy products samples were also found to be adulterated, substantiating the generally acknowledged aspect of food adulteration peaking prior to and during festive occasions especially Deepawali in Dehradun and elsewhere in the state.
According to Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) secretary, Dr Brij Mohan Sharma, the organisation conducted the sample testing drive from October 24 to 27 with volunteers collecting samples of various food items and other articles especially used in the festivities. Samples were collected from the city’s market areas and localities including Hanuman Chowk, Saharanpur Chowk, Patelnagar, Majra, Clemen Town, Karanpur, Dharmpur, Krishan Nagar,Rajupr, Jakhan, Panditwadi, Hathibadkala, Premnagar and Dakra among other areas. Out off 218 samples 163 samples were found adulterated. Alarmingly, 100 per cent adulteration was found in the samples of mustard oil and vermilion with an overall adulteration of about 74 per cent being found in the food product samples in the markets of Dehradun. Sharma informed that the adulteration percentage in food item samples tested in the laboratory included 80 per cent adulteration in milk, 75 per cent in Mawa, 70 per cent each in Paneer, milk cake and refined oil, 80 per cent in laddu, 60 per cent each in Batasha and Rajbhog sweet, 90 per cent in Gulab Jamun, 66 in Kajukatri, 50 per cent in biscuits, 80 per cent in turmeric and 90 per cent in red chilly powder. He stated, “Out of 20 samples of milk 16 were found adulterated with six of them found to be synthetic in nature. Urea ,detergent,refined oil,dry milk and starch was found in these samples. The harmful chemical formalin was traced in two samples-- such milk can cause stomach disorder, liver-kidney problems, nutrient deficiency,skin problem and hair loss. Seventy five per cent Mawa samples were adulterated with adulterants including boiled potatoes, refined oil and dried milk. Butter oil, soya-bean flour, starch, Alum and Maida among other adulterants were found in 70 samples of paneer, Gulab Jamun and milk cake while 60 per cent samples of Rajbhog sweet were found containing metanil yellow dye—which can also cause ulcer and cancer. This dye was also found in coloured Petha Methai with 80 per cent of laddu samples also found containing the same harmful dye. In bakery product samples, we found about 50 per cent adulteration comprising sub-standard maida and low grade fat.”