PREVALENCE AND RAPID DETECTION OF FOOD ADULTERATION IN BULDHANA DISTRICT RURAL MARKETS: A PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Food adulteration remains a critical public health issue in India, particularly in rural regions where informal food markets dominate, regulatory enforcement is limited, and consumer awareness is low. Rural populations in Buldhana District of Maharashtra are especially vulnerable due to their dependence on locally sourced, unpackaged food commodities. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of food adulteration in selected rural areas of Buldhana District and to generate evidence to inform public health interventions.

A cross-sectional, field-based study design was employed. Food samples were collected from rural markets and households using a stratified random sampling technique. Commonly consumed staple food categories—including milk, edible oils, spices, and grains—were analyzed. Adulteration was detected using simple physical and chemical tests, along with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)–approved Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test (DART) kits. Structured questionnaires were also administered to households and food vendors to evaluate awareness levels, purchasing behaviour, and food handling practices related to adulteration.

The findings revealed widespread adulteration across all food categories tested. Milk exhibited the highest adulteration prevalence (35%), followed by spices (25%), edible oils (20%), and grains (15%). Common adulterants detected included detergents, starch, and urea in milk; lead salts and extraneous matter in spices; argemone and mineral oil in edible oils; and physical contaminants in grains. Consumer awareness was notably low, with 70% of respondents unaware of basic adulteration detection methods. Vendor responses highlighted profit-driven practices and weak regulatory enforcement as major contributors to adulteration.

The study concludes that food adulteration in rural Buldhana District poses a significant public health risk. Strengthening food safety surveillance, improving regulatory enforcement, and implementing community-based consumer awareness programs are urgently required to enhance food safety and protect rural populations.