Keywords
cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
anise (Pimpinella anisum)
cassia (Cinnamomum sp)
cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
adulteration of spices
filth in spices
microscopical examination
How to Cite
Abstract
217 samples of four kinds of spices: 48 of cloves, 55 of anise, 57 of cassia and 57 of cumin acquired in Sao Paulo, Brazil trade, were examined for adulteration and for filth detection, from 1986 to 1989. Microscopical examination showed that 112samples (51,61%) were disagreeing with Brazilian Legislation: 95 (84,82%) were adulterated with starch or with spices of other kinds; 34 (30,35%) contained sand or soil; 10 (8,93%) were adulterated with mycelia filaments and 6 (5,36%) contained insects or mites. Ground spices were more adulterated (30,87%) than whole spices (19,82%) and ground cumin were more adulterated than the others ground spices (52,63%). Whole anise were more adulterated than the others whole spices (65,45%).
References
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