'Sweet poison': How jaggery could be silently destroying your body
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Sweet Danger
Jaggery, often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar, is sometimes laced with harmful chemicals, putting consumers at risk.
Toxic Additives
To boost color and weight, some jaggery contains washing soda, chalk powder, and metanil yellow—substances dangerous to human health.
Hidden Poisons
Metanil yellow, an illegal dye, can cause liver and kidney damage, nausea, and nervous system issues when consumed.
Washing Soda
Used for cleaning, washing soda in jaggery can lead to stomach burns, ulcers, vomiting, and internal injuries.
Festival Risks
Demand spikes during festivals like Holige lead to higher chances of adulteration, making festive sweets potentially hazardous.
Representative pic
Plastic Contamination
Food like holige is often rolled on single-use plastics that release toxins when heated—leading to hormonal issues and cancer risks.
Natural Impurities
Even without chemical tampering, poorly stored or unhygienically made jaggery can be contaminated with dirt, dust, or heavy metals.
Spot Fake
Pure jaggery is dark brown and uneven, while adulterated versions may appear bright yellow or unnaturally smooth—a visual clue for shoppers.
Safe Choices
To avoid danger, buy organic jaggery from trusted brands, check texture and color, and store it safely to prevent contamination.