INSIGHT - The Consumer Magazine (March-April 2007), published by Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS), Ahmedabad, carries its in-house laboratory test findings on 12 branded and two unbranded loose samples of Besan (gram flour) and recommends Gaay Chhap, Shakti Bhog and Shreshth as the 'Best Buys' among the brands tested.

The laboratory tested Besan against 15 nutritional, chemical and labelling parameters. All the tests were carried out well within the shelf-life of the samples taken.

The testing of alcoholic acidity of a product is a very critical parameter; it determines the freshness of a product. The higher the alcoholic acidity, the higher the rancidity of a product. The maximum alcoholic acidity as per Agmark is 0.12 per cent for Grade-I and 0.18 per cent for Grade II. Gopal showed the maximum alcoholic acidity of 0.2 per cent. Chahat and Rajdhani, both Grade I, revealed aloholic acidity of 0.15 and 0.13 per cent, respectively. This indicated that these brands were not fresh.

The least percentage of alcoholic acidity was found in B.H. Modi (0.08 per cent) and Gaay Chhap (0.09 per cent). So, one can safely conclude that they were the freshest among the brands tested.

The Indian Standard specifies that Besan should have a minimum of 21.0 per cent protein. None of the brands carried the ISI mark as it is voluntary. However, if we check the results against the limits of the IS, then Gopal and Janta Bazaar failed to pass the minimum requirement for protein. They contained 13 per cent and 18.8 per cent of protein, respectively. This indicated that the products were of substandard quality.

Madam recorded 20.3 per cent and Grihasthi 20.0 per cent of protein.

When subjected to microscopic testing, Gopal did not conform to the characteristic appearance as specified by the IS, thus indicating adulteration.

Many brands weighed less than the labelled weight on the packets.

Out of the ten 500 - gm packets tested, seven of B.H. Modi, six each of Janta Bazaar, Grihasthi and Rajdhani, three of Shreshth,two of Shakti Bhog and one each of Lakdaji and Gopal weighed less than the labelled weight.

Out of the five 1 - kg packets tested, all the five packets of Swastik and one of Chahat weighed less.

Labelling:

Janta Bazaar and Gopal did not carry the 'Vegetarian Logo' on the packets.

Janta Bazaar, Lakdaji and Gopal had not mentioned Lot No. / Batch No. on the label.

Six out of the 12 brands tested carried the Agmark certification - Gaay Chhap (Grade II), Lakdaji (Grade I), Chahat (Grade I), Shreshth (Standard), Rajdhani (Grade I) and Swastik.

Swastik did not mention the grade.

CERS Action

We have suggested that the PFA Act include

* a test to check the fineness and uniformity of Besan

* moisture, alcoholic acidity and protein test.

All the brands tested passed the parameters of fungal and insect infestation, rodent hair and excreta, added colouring matter and preservative and khesari dal flour.

As a policy, before publishing and publicising the results, we convey the test findings to all the manufacturers for their views and comments. They receive the results of their own products only.

Rajdhani regretted its packets falling short in weight and assured us that it will ensure that there is no shortage in weight in the future.

Details of the rating and ranking, the 'best buy' and excerpts of our correspondence with manufacturers have been published in the March-April 2007 issue of INSIGHT - The Consumer Magazine.

Sourced From: INSIGHT