DNA Decodes: Fake silver foil on sweets? Lab test reveals purity concerns ahead of Diwali

Food safety authorities have launched inspections in several cities, including Meerut, Agra, Patna and Bhopal, after a Zee News investigation found that a sample of silver foil used to decorate sweets contained less than 71 per cent silver. The findings have raised concerns about the possible use of cheaper metals in products sold as edible silver foil, particularly ahead of Diwali when demand for traditional sweets rises.

In today’s episode of DNA, Zee News Managing Editor Rahul Sinha examines the investigation’s findings, the possible adulteration of edible silver foil, and the action taken by food safety officials. The probe has also highlighted concerns about allegations that aluminium and animal-derived substances may be used in the manufacture of silver foil.
 

Laboratory test reveals less than 71 per cent silver

As part of its investigation, Zee News collected a sample of silver foil commonly used on sweets and sent it for laboratory testing. The report showed the sample contained less than 71 per cent silver, with more than 29 per cent consisting of other metals.

The findings raise questions about whether the silver foil used by sweet manufacturers meets food safety standards. FSSAI requires edible silver foil to be 99.99 per cent pure silver — a benchmark the tested sample fell well short of.

The investigation also pointed to the possibility that some manufacturers may be using cheaper materials, including aluminium, to cut costs. However, the laboratory report did not confirm whether the remaining metal content was aluminium or another substance.

Allegations have also emerged about the possible use of animal-derived substances, including animal fat, in the manufacturing process.

The presence of unidentified metals in a product meant for consumption has raised questions about potential health risks. The nature and extent of those risks would depend on the specific substances, their concentration, and the quantity consumed.

Food safety teams conduct raids in Meerut, Agra, Patna and Bhopal

Following the investigation, food safety officials stepped up inspections of silver foil manufacturing units and sweet shops.

In Meerut, a team visited the premises of manufacturer Mehndi Hasan, whose sample had reportedly failed the purity test. Hasan was not present when officials arrived. After collecting samples, the team moved to another manufacturing unit in a nearby village, where they found silver foil being produced in a basement two floors below ground level and collected additional samples.

Inspections were also carried out in Agra, Patna and Bhopal. Authorities checked manufacturing facilities and sweet shops to assess the quality of silver foil being used and identify possible cases of adulteration. The collected samples will now be examined to determine their composition and whether they meet prescribed standards.