Sugar Safety Inspection

White granulated sugar is often adulterated with chalk powder, washing soda, or urea to increase weight and maintain whiteness. 1. The Water Clarity Test: Stir a spoonful of sugar into a glass of clear water. Pure sugar will dissolve completely, leaving the water clear. If the water becomes cloudy or a white residue settles at the bottom, it indicates the presence of chalk powder or Plaster of Paris. 2. The Acid Test (Washing Soda): Add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to a small amount of sugar. If it effervesces (bubbles/fizzes) immediately, it indicates the presence of washing soda (sodium carbonate). Pure sugar will not react with acid. 3. The Texture and Luster: Observe the sugar crystals under bright light. Pure sugar has a distinct crystalline luster. Adulterated sugar with chalk or urea often looks dull, powdery, and may feel slightly soapy when rubbed between moist fingers (a sign of washing soda). 4. The Smell Test (Urea Detection): Warm a small amount of sugar in a pan. If you detect a faint smell of ammonia or a sharp "bathroom-like" odor, it indicates the presence of urea used as a whitening agent.