FILTH AND FRAUDS IN STARCH

Abstract

110 samples of starch sold in the city of São Paulo were analyzed for purity and sanitary qualities. For the filth detection was utilized the method of Official Methods of Analysis of the A.O.A.C. For the identification of starch it was developed a method. It was concluded that 2,7% of samples had more than 10 insect fragments, 4,6% had rodent hairs and 0,9%, mites. Sand and soil were detected in 11,8% of samples. It was suggested that the Alimentary Codex be modified to tolerating until to 10 insect fragments per 100 g of sample. It was concluded that 29,1% of the samples were adulterated, 10% of which were substituted in their totality by another starch and 19,1% contained one or more types of starches.