TN sends proposal to amend FSS Act to curb adulteration in karupatti, karkandu after state-level study

TN sends proposal to amend FSS Act to curb adulteration in karupatti, karkandu following concerns that existing food safety regulations are allowing sugar-mixed products to pass off as traditional palm-based sweeteners. The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration has recommended changes to national standards to clearly distinguish authentic products from adulterated alternatives.

According to officials, the current Food Safety and Standards regulations specify only minimum sugar content for palm jaggery and karkandu, without fixing an upper limit. This loophole, the department says, enables manufacturers to blend refined sugar into products while still meeting legal requirements. As a result, genuine producers of traditional karupatti and karkandu are placed at a disadvantage, and consumers are misled.

The state government has accepted the proposal and forwarded it to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for consideration, along with a detailed scientific study supporting the need for regulatory change.

TN sends proposal to amend FSS Act to curb adulteration in karupatti, karkandu based on scientific findings

To strengthen its case, the food safety department conducted an extensive experimental study comparing traditional products with sugar-blended versions available in the market. Samples were collected from multiple locations and tested at accredited food analysis laboratories.

The study found that traditional palm jaggery naturally contains high levels of invert sugar and sucrose, but within a specific range that reflects its traditional preparation process. In contrast, sugar-blended products showed higher sugar concentrations, allowing them to meet current minimum standards while deviating from authentic composition.

Based on these findings, the department proposed setting clear upper limits for sugar content. It recommended that the total sugar expressed as invert sugar should not exceed 92% in palm jaggery and 90% in karkandu. For sucrose, it suggested defined ranges that reflect natural processing rather than industrial sugar addition. The proposal also recommends stricter limits on extraneous matter to improve quality and consumer safety.

Officials explained that without such limits, adulterated products continue to flood the market, harming both public trust and the livelihoods of traditional producers who rely on natural palm-based processes.

TN sends proposal to amend FSS Act to curb adulteration in karupatti, karkandu to safeguard consumer trust

The study also examined the transformation of palm sap into jaggery. Raw palm sap was found to have moderate sugar levels, which naturally increase during boiling and processing. However, the sugar levels observed in some market samples exceeded what traditional methods would produce, reinforcing concerns about adulteration.

Food safety officials said that the absence of upper thresholds in current regulations makes enforcement difficult. Even when laboratory tests indicate unusually high sugar levels, action cannot be taken if minimum standards are met. This regulatory gap, they said, undermines food safety oversight.

By introducing upper limits and clearer definitions, authorities believe enforcement will become more effective. It would also help consumers identify genuine products and discourage misleading labelling.

The proposed amendment is aimed not only at controlling adulteration but also at preserving traditional food practices associated with palm-based sweeteners. Karupatti and karkandu are widely consumed for their perceived health benefits and cultural importance, particularly in rural and coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.

Officials added that clearer national standards would encourage honest manufacturing practices and restore confidence in traditional products. Also Read: TN sends proposal to amend FSS Act to curb adulteration in karupatti, karkandu

Conclusion

The proposal reflects Tamil Nadu’s effort to strengthen food safety rules through science-backed regulation. If approved, the amendment could play a key role in protecting traditional palm-based products, ensuring fair trade, and safeguarding consumers from adulteration.