Malachite as Food Adulterant: Correct Usage Explained
Malachite, a green mineral, is sometimes misused as a food adulterant to enhance the visual appeal of certain food items. Understanding its specific fraudulent application is key.
Analysis of Malachite's Role
- Option 1 & 4 Incorrect: Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral, primarily used as a pigment. It is not involved in fruit ripening (typically done using agents like ethylene or calcium carbide) nor is it used to improve the flavour of tea dust.
- Option 3 Incorrect: Malachite is a dense mineral. Adding it to sugar would significantly increase the weight and potentially alter texture, making the adulteration obvious and is not its common fraudulent use. Other substances are typically used to increase sugar's volume or weight.
- Option 2 Correct: The vibrant green colour of Malachite makes it appealing for adulterating purposes. It is sometimes dusted or mixed with green vegetables (like peas or beans) to make them appear fresher and more vibrant, masking their actual quality or age. This practice is harmful as Malachite contains copper and arsenic, which are toxic.
Therefore, the correct statement regarding Malachite used as a food adulterant is its application in making green vegetables appear shiny and appealing.
Important Questions from Chemical Poisoning
Consider the following statements regarding organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) :
1. It is a rare complication and occurs 2 - 3 weeks after acute exposure.
2. It is a feature of poisoning with certain organophosphorus compounds such as triorthocresyl phosphate.
3. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase causes motor polyneuropathy with no evidence of sensory loss.
4. There is no specific therapy although regular physiotherapy may limit deformity caused by muscle wasting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- The toxic effects of aluminium phosphide is due to the release of:
- Use of calcium carbide for the artificial ripening of fruits is banned but it is often reported to be illegally used. What is/are the likely health hazards of exposure to this chemical?
1. Permanent damage to the eyes
2. Pulmonary edema
3. Irritation of mouth, throat and nose
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Which of the following parts of the human body can be used as a sample/samples for the presence of mercury?
1. Blood
2. Hair
3. Nail
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Consider the following statements:
1. All organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) enter the human bodies through food chain only.
2. Some of the OCPs are categorized as Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
