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Butter Safety Inspection

Detect starch, annatto dye, and vegetable oils in butter

Inspection Guide

Butter Quality and Purity Inspection

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Butter Quality and Purity Inspection

Butter is often adulterated with starch to increase weight and Vanaspati or animal fats to reduce cost. 1. The Melting Test: Pure butter melts quickly on a low flame and produces a lot of foam. If it takes a long time to melt or doesn't foam, it indicates the presence of vegetable oils or waxes. 2. The Iodine Test (Starch Detection): Add a drop of iodine to a bit of butter. If it turns blue, it contains starch or flour as a filler. 3. The Color Check: Natural butter is pale yellow or cream. If the butter is "highlighter yellow" or very bright, it has excessive annatto dye or coal tar dyes. 4. The Furfural Test (Vanaspati Check): Add 5ml of HCl and 2 drops of furfural to melted butter. Shake. If a pink/red color develops, Vanaspati is present.

Quick Safety Tips

  • Pure butter foams when melted
  • Check for natural pale yellow color
  • Iodine test for starch residues
  • Avoid butter that feels wax-like or hard to melt

Chemical Concerns

Starch/Flour Lard/Animal fat Vanaspati Annatto dye (excessive) Coal tar dyes

Step 1: AI Visual Scan