"Time to Say No to adulterate" Consumers start shifting towards packaged Spices: Bonafide Research

"Purchasing loosely sold spices from the neighbourhood kirana store increases the chance that the spices have been adulterated, as it is very easy to add sub-standard materials to spices and the customer will rarely figure it out. The spices that are commonly adulterated in India are coriander powder, dried ginger powder, red chilli powder, cardamom, cumin powder and Garam masala powder. These spices are mixed with food colour, starch; coloured saw dust, brick powder and other stuff."

According to Recently Published Report of Bonafide Research "India Packaged Spices market Outlook, 2027-28" It is a well-known fact that Indian food is incomplete without spices and condiments. The flavour and aroma of these spices have a central place in Indian food. However, with every passing day we hear stories about how these spices are being adulterated and their purity (or lack of it) is a grave matter of concern to millions of Indians. Consumer awareness and health conscious population has start shifting towards packaged spices. The health of millions of Indians is being compromised daily with the adulteration of spices and some of the symptoms of consuming these adulterated spices are nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. More serious long term or irreversible health problems are possible depending upon the nature of the adulteration. Many times, papaya seeds are ground and mixed with synthetic gum to make it seem like black-pepper. This happens as pepper is costly and mixing them with papaya seeds makes it cheaper for miscreants. Turmeric is indispensable in Indian kitchens. A commonly used adulterant is lead chromate, which gives it a bright yellow colour and is soluble in water. Red Chilli most adulterated among spices by using adulterants in it is sawdust and brick powder.

Government body, Spice board of India making all efforts, like promoting organic and responsible farming, regular training on implementation of good agriculture practices, improved application of post-harvest practices, and establishment of bio-agent production units.  Though, the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world, India has several challenges about traceability and safety standards. Food safety problems could be managed through modern processing technology, but contaminants, pesticide residues and toxins remained important issues. India contributes about 70% of the world's requirement of spices. The growing global demand for spices throws up several challenges, mainly related to food sustainability, traceability and safety standards. These are not just issues, but threats that can affect the very existence of the spice industry in the country.

Major Companies
Major brands that operate into Indian Spices market are Everest, Badshah, MDH, Catch, Pushp, MTR, Vasant Masala, Ramdev, Patanjali, Aachi Masala, TATA Sampann, Suhana Masala, Goldie Masala, Eastern Condiments, Priya Masala, Mother Recipe, Hathi Masala, Nilon's, J K Spices etc.