Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Adulteration of ghee with cheap mineral oil (such as liquid paraffin) is a serious food safety concern.
Various chemical colorimetric tests have been developed to detect these petroleum-based adulterants.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements regarding the mineral oil detection test:
- Statement (I): In this rapid test, a \(1-2\text{ g}\) sample of melted ghee is dissolved in a non-polar solvent (hexane).
A color-developing acid reagent containing water, concentrated sulfuric acid, and nitric acid (typically in a specific ratio like \(20:6:1\)) is added.
The mixture is shaken to ensure contact between the phases and allowed to stand. This statement accurately describes the test procedure.
- Statement (II): Mineral oils react with this acid mixture to form chromogenic compounds.
If mineral oil is present, a distinct orange or reddish-orange color develops in the upper organic (hexane) layer.
Pure, unadulterated ghee does not produce this color. Therefore, Statement (II) is also correct.
Both statements are chemically accurate and describe the standard protocol for detecting mineral oil in ghee.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.