In recent times, consumers across India have raised concerns about “fake” or adulterated sweet potatoes appearing in local markets. While sweet potatoes themselves are a nutritious staple—rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants—some vendors resort to unethical practices to make them look more appealing. The primary issue isn’t entirely counterfeit tubers but the use of harmful artificial dyes to enhance their vibrant red or orange skin color, making older, dull, or lower-quality ones appear fresh and attractive.
According to guidelines from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the most common adulterant in sweet potatoes is Rhodamine B, a synthetic industrial dye. This chemical is banned for food use because it is carcinogenic and can cause serious health issues with prolonged exposure, including skin irritation, eye problems, respiratory issues, and potential long-term risks like cancer. FSSAI has repeatedly highlighted this problem through awareness campaigns, videos, and their Detect Adulterants with Rapid Test (DART) resources, urging people to stay vigilant.
Why Does This Adulteration Happen?
Vendors apply Rhodamine B (often water- or oil-soluble) to the outer skin to give sweet potatoes an unnaturally bright, uniform red hue. This tricks buyers into thinking the produce is fresher and of higher quality. The practice has been reported sporadically over the years, with FSSAI continuing to share simple detection methods in 2025 and 2026 to combat it.
Simple At-Home Test to Check for Purity
FSSAI recommends a quick, household-based rapid test to detect Rhodamine B on the surface. You only need a cotton ball and water or vegetable oil—no special equipment required.
Steps:
- Take a small piece of cotton (or a cotton ball).
- Soak it in plain water. (For better results with oil-soluble dyes, also try soaking a separate cotton ball in vegetable oil and perform the test twice.)
- Gently rub the soaked cotton on the outer skin of the sweet potato, focusing on the red or orange areas.
- Observe the cotton immediately:
- If the cotton stays white or shows no significant color change → The sweet potato is likely pure and free from artificial dye.
- If the cotton turns pink, reddish, reddish-violet, or any strong color → This indicates the presence of Rhodamine B (or a similar banned dye). Do not consume it—discard the batch and consider reporting the vendor to local food safety authorities.
This test works because Rhodamine B transfers easily to the cotton when rubbed, especially if it’s freshly applied. FSSAI videos demonstrate this clearly: an unadulterated sweet potato leaves the cotton clean, while an adulterated one stains it noticeably.
Additional Tips for Selecting Safe Sweet Potatoes
Beyond the dye test, use these practical pointers when shopping:
- Opt for firm, smooth tubers without deep cuts, wrinkles, bruises, mold, or soft spots.
- Natural sweet potatoes often have uneven skin tones, slight roughness, or variations in color—extreme shine or perfect uniformity can be a red flag.
- Check for a mild, earthy smell; avoid any with chemical or unusual odors.
- Minor sprouting is usually harmless, but steer clear of long sprouts or green patches (which may indicate natural toxin buildup, though less common in sweet potatoes).
- Buy from trusted vendors, farmers’ markets, or certified organic sources to minimize risks.
Why It Matters
Adulteration like this undermines consumer trust and poses real health hazards. By performing this easy test, you can protect your family and contribute to safer food practices. FSSAI encourages everyone to adopt such habits under their #NoToAdulteration and #EatRightIndia initiatives.
Stay informed, test before you eat, and choose quality produce wisely. Your health is worth the extra minute!
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