Stories
How to Spot Adulterated Cumin Seeds and Powder at Home
N
News18•07-10-2026, 17:30
How to Spot Adulterated Cumin Seeds and Powder at Home
- •The FSSAI ordered an immediate recall of a batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder after finding pesticide residues above permissible limits.
- •Ground spices are easily adulterated with cheaper materials like flour, starch, sawdust, and chalk powder because consumers cannot see the ingredients.
- •Cumin seeds may be adulterated with coloured grass seeds and fennel seeds, which can be identified using simple household tests.
- •Rubbing cumin seeds between your palms can reveal adulteration if your hands turn black from charcoal-coated grass seeds.
- •Consumers should check their pre-packed cumin powder for the recalled batch number EO80668761 before use.
Key Questions Answered
The FSSAI ordered a recall because testing found pesticide residues—specifically Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam—exceeding prescribed maximum limits. The sample was declared unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The recalled batch of pre-packed cumin powder is identified by batch number EO80668761 (or E080668761).
For cumin seeds, you can rub them between your palms; if your palms turn black, it indicates possible adulteration with grass seeds coloured with charcoal dust. Alternatively, place them on a glass plate to spot and separate mixed fennel seeds.
