Adulterant
Definition
A substance added to a food to increase bulk, weight or visual appeal at the cost of safety or nutrition. Examples include argemone oil in mustard oil, metanil yellow in turmeric, sudan red in chilli powder, melamine in milk and copper sulphate on green peas and okra.
Related terms
- Aflatoxin B1
- A hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on poorly stored groundnut, maize and dry chilli. FSSAI sets...
- Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT)
- The most potent toxin known by weight. Produced by Clostridium botulinum in anaerobic low-acid food (improperly canned, smoked or fermented). Blocks acetylcholine...
- FSSAI Notified Laboratory
- A food testing laboratory recognised under Section 43 of the FSS Act 2006 to analyse statutory food samples. The network includes 22...
- Infection vs Intoxication
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- Staphylococcal Enterotoxin (SE)
- A family of heat-stable superantigen toxins (SEA to SEE most common) produced by Staphylococcus aureus in protein-rich food held at warm temperature....
Explained in
- Food Poisoning: Bacterial and ChemicalA substance added to a food to increase bulk, weight or visual appeal at the cost of safety or nutrition. Examples include argemone oil in mustard oil, metanil...