By The Sampadak Express
In countries like India, food adulteration and selling counterfeit products have become a common issue. From wheat and rice to sugar, oil, milk, spices, fruits, and vegetables, nearly all food items are adulterated with dangerous chemicals, dirt, lime, stone powder, and even more harmful substances. As a result, consuming these adulterated products can lead to health issues ranging from minor ailments to life-threatening diseases like cancer.
Did you know that the coffee you drink every morning might contain dirt? Adulterating coffee powder with dirt has become a profitable business, where traders mix fine soil, brick dust, or powdered earth to increase the weight and quantity. Not only does this reduce the quality of the coffee, but it can also be harmful to your health.
Why is Dirt Mixed with Coffee?
Dirt is much cheaper than coffee, and adulterators mix it to increase the volume of coffee, thereby making more profit. During crop failures or supply disruptions, some traders may resort to mixing dirt to compensate for the shortage. Since consumers often don’t check the purity of their coffee, adulteration continues without resistance. Moreover, consumers often opt for cheaper coffee brands, which have a higher likelihood of being adulterated. In some countries, food safety and quality regulations are relatively weak, making it easier for such fraudulent practices to go unnoticed.
How is Dirt Mixed into Coffee Powder?
To adulterate coffee powder, fine dirt or dust is mixed in such a way that it doesn’t significantly alter the texture of the coffee. Red soil or finely crushed bricks are often added to give the coffee a darker color. Some adulterators use starch or dextrin to bind the dirt particles with the coffee powder, making it harder to detect. Others spray a mixture of water and dirt on the coffee powder, drying it in a way that makes the adulteration appear natural and difficult to spot.
The Dangers of Consuming Adulterated Coffee
The fine particles of dirt are hard to digest and can lead to problems like constipation, bloating, and indigestion. Furthermore, the bacteria, fungi, and parasites present in dirt and dust can cause diarrhea and other intestinal infections. Soil may contain toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which, when accumulated in the body, can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Liver and Kidney Damage:
Regular consumption of adulterated coffee can harm your liver, kidneys, and intestines. Some types of soil contain high levels of fluoride, which can weaken bones and cause joint pain over time.
Respiratory Issues and Anemia:
Inhaling fine dirt particles can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems, particularly for people with asthma. Dirt can also interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients like iron, calcium, and zinc, leading to anemia and a weakened immune system.
How to Detect Adulteration in Coffee Powder?
You can quickly check if your coffee is adulterated with dirt using this simple method:
1. Take a glass of water.
2. Add half a teaspoon of coffee powder to the glass.
3. Wait for about 5 minutes.
4. Pure coffee will float on the surface of the water.
5. The adulterated coffee, containing dirt, will settle at the bottom.
This easy test can help you identify whether your coffee contains harmful adulterants. Always ensure you buy coffee from trusted and reliable sources to protect your health.
