Question

Which of the following is an adulterant added to milk?

• A. Starch
• B. Metanil yellow
• C. Argemone
• D. Soap stone

Hint:

To detect starch in milk, you can add a few drops of iodine solution. If the milk turns blue-black, it indicates the presence of starch.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Food adulteration is the act of intentionally debasing the quality of food offered for sale either by the admixture or substitution of inferior substances or by the removal of some valuable ingredient. The question asks to identify a common adulterant for milk.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Starch: Starch is commonly added to milk that has been diluted with water. It increases the thickness (viscosity) and the solids-not-fat (SNF) content of the milk, making it appear to be of higher quality than it is.
- Metanil yellow: This is a non-permitted synthetic dye, often used to adulterate turmeric powder and sweets to give them a vibrant yellow color.
- Argemone: The seeds of the argemone plant are sometimes mixed with mustard seeds. The oil extracted is toxic and can cause epidemic dropsy.
- Soap stone: Powdered soap stone is sometimes used to add bulk and weight to other powdered food items, like flour.
Therefore, starch is a known adulterant specifically for milk.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Starch is a common adulterant added to milk to mask dilution with water.