DigitEye India Fact Checkers
A viral message claims that the turmeric that is used in food contains lead chromate which makes it look more yellow. The forwarded message also contains an infographic that details the use of lead chromate in turmeric.
The claim that is going viral with the image states,
“Lead chromate which can adversely affect is being added in the off the shelf turmeric powder packets. It will be better to buy from nearby powdering mills.”
Digiteye India also received a request to fact-check this claim on WhatsApp.
FACT CHECK
The Digiteye India team used Reverse Image Search on Google to find out the source of the image. The result led us to a research paper on Science Direct. The paper titled, “Real or fake yellow in the vibrant colour craze: Rapid detection of lead chromate in turmeric” was published by Sara W Erasmus, Lisanne van Hasselt, Linda M Ebbinge, and Saskia M. van Ruth. Their study revealed that turmeric laced with led chromate is found in many manufacturing units.
Their study revealed that lead chromate is used to make turmeric more yellow. It also revealed that the adulterated turmeric can have adverse effects on the body.
The Digiteye India team visited the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India website to see the guidelines they have in place for turmeric. They stated, “The products must be free from mould, living and dead insects, insect fragments, and rodent contamination. They shall be free from any added colouring matter, including Lead Chromate and morphologically extraneous matter, including foreign starch.” The food authority has mentioned that turmeric should be free from lead chromate.
Additionally, in a video, FSSAI mentioned how people can test for adulteration in turmeric powder at home. They stated that pure turmeric dissolves completely in water, whereas adulterated turmeric powder will have a yellow clay-like formation in the water.
FSSAI also mentioned how to test whole turmeric for adulteration at home. The food body revealed that pure whole turmeric will not change the colour of the water, whereas lead chromate laced turmeric will change the colour of the water.
Lead chromate can lead to asthma-like symptoms, skin issues, and digestive problems. Based on these guidelines, it is advised that people buy turmeric from authentic and tested sellers in the market.
CLAIM: A viral message claims that ‘more yellowish-coloured’ turmeric being sold in the market contains lead chromate powder.
CONCLUSION: Lead chromate is used in turmeric to make it look more yellow. FSSAI has stated that there should be no lead chromate in turmeric. Additionally, it has also revealed simple tests people can conduct in their homes to test turmeric for adulteration. It is advised to buy turmeric from certified and authentic sellers in the market.
RATING: True — 
