Summer gives the perfect excuse to sip on a refreshing glass of fruit juice. From cooling mangoes to sweet watermelons, fresh juices are a favourite treat for many. At local stalls, you’ll often find colourful juices being served in glasses filled with ice, tempting you to stop and enjoy. But with rising demand during the hot months, many vendors sadly add cheap and harmful substances to boost profits. In doing so, they put your health at serious risk. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot safe, pure juices and avoid falling into the trap of adulterated ones. Let’s explore how vendors indulge in adulteration of fresh fruit juice, what the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) does to prevent it, and how you can protect yourself while still enjoying your favourite summer drink.

How Vendors Adulterate Juices

Many vendors adulterate fresh fruit juice in different ways to cut costs and boost profits. Some common practices include:

• Adding Water:

  Vendors dilute the juice with water to increase its quantity. While it might seem harmless, this practice reduces the juice’s nutritional value and spoils its natural taste. If they use unclean water, it can introduce harmful bacteria and cause serious infections.

• Using Artificial Sweeteners:

  To save money, many vendors replace natural fruit sugars with sugar syrup or glucose. These artificial sweeteners make the juice excessively sweet and increase the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolic problems when consumed regularly.

• Adding Artificial Colours:

  Vendors add synthetic colours to make the juices look fresher and more attractive. Although these bright colours can catch your eye, they may trigger allergic reactions, especially in children, and cause long-term health issues.

• Mixing Cheaper Juices or Concentrates:

  Some vendors mix fresh juice with cheaper fruit juice or synthetic concentrates. This not only robs you of real nutrients but also exposes you to unnecessary chemicals.

• Using Synthetic Flavours:

  Instead of using real fruits, some vendors add chemical flavours to mimic the natural taste. These synthetic flavours provide no nutritional benefit and may lead to health problems over time.

• Adding Preservatives:

  To extend the juice’s shelf life and prevent spoilage, vendors sometimes add chemicals like sodium benzoate. Even though small amounts might be allowed, regular intake of such preservatives can harm your digestive system and lead to toxicity over time.

What FSSAI Does to Keep Juices Safe

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a major role in protecting consumers from adulterated juices. Here’s how they work to keep juices safe:

• Setting Standards:

  FSSAI has set strict standards regarding the type and amount of sweeteners, colours, and preservatives that can be used in food and beverages, including juices. Only those substances proven to be safe are permitted.

• Conducting Inspections:

  FSSAI officials regularly inspect juice stalls, especially during summer, to check hygiene practices, ingredient quality, and safety compliance.

• Issuing Certifications:

  Vendors who meet the required food safety standards can get certified by FSSAI. This certification acts as proof that the vendor follows proper hygiene and uses safe ingredients.

• Running Awareness Campaigns:

  FSSAI conducts awareness drives to educate vendors and consumers alike about the dangers of food adulteration and how to spot adulterated juices.

• Testing Juice Samples:

  Juice samples from various stalls are collected and tested. If a sample fails the quality test, the vendor may face penalties, and the unsafe products are removed from the market.

How You Can Identify Safe, Pure Juices

As a consumer, you have a big role to play in protecting your health. Here are some tips to help you choose safe, pure juices:

• Check for Cleanliness:

  Always buy juices from vendors who maintain clean stalls and use clean equipment. Hygiene is the first sign of a vendor’s commitment to quality.

• Look at the Juice:

  Natural juices tend to have a slightly dull or uneven colour, not bright and flashy. If the juice looks unnaturally colourful, be cautious.

• Smell and Taste:

  Real juice smells fresh and fruity and has a natural, slightly sweet taste. If the juice tastes overly sweet, chemical-like, or artificial, it could be adulterated.

• Ask About Ingredients:

  Don’t hesitate to ask vendors how they prepare their juices. Honest sellers will openly share their methods and ingredients.

• Buy from Reputed Vendors:

  Whenever possible, buy from trusted or reputed vendors, especially those who have food safety certifications or are well-known for their hygiene.

Health Hazards of Adulterated Juices

Drinking adulterated juices can seriously harm your health in many ways:

• Weight Gain and Diabetes

  Extra sugar and glucose can spike blood sugar levels and lead to obesity and diabetes over time.

• Allergic Reactions

  Artificial colours, sweeteners, and preservatives can cause allergic reactions like rashes, itching, digestive problems, and even breathing difficulties.

• Toxicity

  Over time, synthetic chemicals can accumulate in your body and harm vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart.

• Digestive Problems

  Additives and thickeners used in adulterated juices can upset your digestive system, leading to bloating, cramps, and frequent stomach upsets.

Conclusion

Refreshing fruit juice  is one of the joys of summer, but staying cautious is important to keep your health safe. Always choose clean vendors, pay attention to the colour, smell, and taste of the juice, and stay informed about common adulteration tricks. While FSSAI’s rules and inspections help keep markets safer, your own awareness matters the most. By making smart choices, you can continue to enjoy pure, fresh juices and have a healthy, safe summer!