Question

Following parameters are evaluated to judge the quality of ghee and also to prevent adulteration of ghee.
A. Iodine value can be used for checking the purity of ghee
B. RM and PV values of ghee are not the indicator of ghee authencity
C. Physicochemical constants of ghee cannot give the complete idea of authencity
D. GLC technique can also help in detecting adulteration of ghee
E. Addition of vanaspati in ghee is detected by Halphen test
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A & B statements are true
• B. B & C statements are false
• C. C & D statements are false
• D. B & E statements are false

Hint:

Ghee Adulteration Testing:
Vanaspati Adulteration = BAUDOUIN TEST (detects Sesame oil sesame marker).
Cottonseed Oil = HALPHEN TEST.
RM and Polenske Values = Primary indicators of ghee authenticity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chemical constants and analytical detection of ghee adulteration: RM and Polenske values are primary authenticity indicators, and Baudouin test (not Halphen test) detects vanaspati; hence statements B and E are false.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Adulteration Tests: Vanaspati } \rightarrow \mathbf{Baudouin \text{ } Test} \quad | \quad \text{Cottonseed Oil } \rightarrow \mathbf{Halphen \text{ } Test} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Evaluating the statements regarding ghee analytical quality and adulteration detection:
1. A. True: Iodine Value ($26 - 38$) measures unsaturation and helps detect foreign vegetable oils or animal body fats.
2. B. FALSE: Reichert-Meissl (RM) Value ($> 28$) and Polenske Value (PV) ($1.0 - 2.0$) measure volatile water-soluble and insoluble short-chain fatty acids (butyric/caproic/caprylic); they are the primary official legal indicators of ghee authenticity and purity.
3. C. True: Certain sophisticated adulterant mixtures (e.g., animal tallow mixed with vegetable oils) can mimic individual chemical constants, necessitating advanced chromatography.
4. D. True: GLC (Gas-Liquid Chromatography) fatty acid and triglyceride profiling reliably detects foreign fats and vegetable oils.
5. E. FALSE: Addition of Vanaspati (hydrogenated vegetable oil) containing sesame oil is detected by the Baudouin Test (furfural + HCl pink color), NOT by the Halphen test (which detects Cottonseed oil).
- Therefore, statements B and E are false.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, B & E statements are false, matching option (D).