Urad Dal (Black Gram) Safety Inspection

Urad Dal (Black Gram) is adulterated with iron filings to increase weight and artificial black color to make white dal appear like the more expensive black variety. **1. The Magnet Test (Critical):** This is the primary test for iron filing detection. Take a strong magnet and pass it slowly through the dal. Move the magnet around and underneath. If iron filings are present, they will stick to the magnet. You'll see dark particles clinging to the magnet surface. **2. The Water Float Test:** Put dal in water. Iron filings will sink immediately to the bottom and separate from the dal. After 5 minutes, check the bottom of the container for dark metallic particles. Natural dal floats or slowly settles. **3. The Color Rub Test (for whole black dal):** If you have whole black Urad dal, take a few grains and rub them vigorously with a wet white cloth. If black color transfers to the cloth easily, the dal has been artificially colored. Natural black dal has color embedded in the skin and won't transfer easily. **4. The Split Dal Check:** When Urad dal is split (white Urad dal), it should be naturally creamy white. If you see white dal with black coating or spots that rub off easily, it's artificially colored white dal being sold as black dal. **5. The Weight Distribution Test:** Natural dal grains have consistent weight. If you notice some grains feel unusually heavy or if there's unexpected settling in the package (heavy particles at bottom), it may indicate iron filing presence.