Stories
Beware of Adulterated Black Pepper! Gum-Maida Mix Found; Learn How to Spot the Real Spice.
N
News18•20-09-2026, 16:01
Beware of Adulterated Black Pepper! Gum-Maida Mix Found; Learn How to Spot the Real Spice.
- •A factory in Ghaziabad was caught producing adulterated black pepper using gum and maida.
- •Real black pepper grains are naturally rough and slightly concave; uniform, smooth grains may indicate adulteration.
- •Authentic black pepper has a strong, distinct aroma; a faint or strange smell suggests poor quality.
- •Check packaging for seals, batch numbers, and food safety info; be wary of unusually cheap products.
- •If adulteration is suspected, do not use the product and file a complaint with the food safety department.
Key Questions Answered
In Ghaziabad's Loni Border area, a factory was caught preparing spurious black pepper using gum, maida (refined flour), and refined soybean oil to give low-quality grains a glossy, high-quality appearance.
Real black pepper grains have a naturally rough, slightly concave, and wrinkled surface rather than an unusually smooth or uniform appearance. When crushed, genuine black pepper releases a strong, distinct, and pungent natural aroma.
If you suspect that black pepper or other spices are adulterated, avoid consuming them and file a formal complaint with the concerned food safety department, providing the product, purchase bill, and related documents.
