Ludhiana Health Dept officials raise alarm over adulterated jaggery, urge caution

As winter grips the region, jaggery — a traditional Indian sweetener — becomes a seasonal favourite not just for its rich taste, but for its powerful health benefits.

Known to generate internal warmth, jaggery is widely consumed during winter months to help the body stay warm and fight off common ailments like cold, cough and indigestion. Nutritionists highlight that pure jaggery is packed with iron and essential minerals, making it effective in improving blood circulation, boosting immunity and aiding digestion.

According to dietician Deepti Arora, jaggery is a natural winter remedy that offers multiple health advantages. “Jaggery is rich in iron and essential minerals. It helps keep the body warm, boosts immunity and improves digestion — making it an ideal food for winter,” she explains.

However, health officials are raising alarms over the increasing presence of adulterated jaggery in local markets. Last year, Health Department seized large quantities of chemically treated jaggery containing harmful substances such as lime, artificial colours, and hydrogen peroxide — all of which pose serious risks to liver and kidney health. Raids are also being conducted this year as the season is picking up.

Experts warn that fake jaggery often appears unnaturally shiny and dark yellow or reddish in color, while authentic jaggery has a matte finish with a golden-brown hue.

A simple water test can help consumers identify purity: Real jaggery sinks and dissolves slowly, while adulterated jaggery tends to float or release cloudy colour. Additionally, genuine jaggery carries an earthy aroma and a mildly bitter-sweet taste, unlike the strong synthetic smell of its counterfeit versions.

Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur has urged the citizens to buy jaggery only from trusted sources, preferably organic or locally made without chemicals, and to report any suspicious products to health officials. With jaggery being a staple food item in winter diets, ensuring its purity is not just a matter of taste, it’s a matter of public health.

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