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15 June 2024 Vol 4 No 49

Buy and consume Aamras with caution

(Click to Read) Is it safe to buy Aamras

What does the Aamras you buy contain
Tips for buying Aamras
Expert Speak - Video on “Umami –
Exploring the fifth taste”
Is it safe to buy Aamras

The mango season is going on and most people consume

Aamras every day. It is made from pulp or puree of ripe
mangoes with sugar usually added to sweeten it. Ready-
to-eat Aamras is sold in mithai shops, dairies, temporary
seasonal shops etc. in loose or packaged form.
Due to high summer temperatures and improper storage,
hygiene while making, storing and handling is of utmost
importance to prevent spoilage and ensure safety of
Aamras. With the extremely high temperatures, the risk
of spoilage increases. However, it is a very popular food
item and is widely bought by all sections of society.
Considering the popularity and high consumption
of Aamras in this season, we decided to test some
samples to know what they contain and if they are safe
to consume. We tested different samples of branded
packaged Aamras as well as of Aamras sold loose in local
shops in various areas of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
We tested a total of eight branded and loose samples of
Aamras for the following parameters:
• Sugar content - Total sugar and Added sugar
• Microbiological parameters – presence of Salmonella
and E. coli
• Presence of Saccharine
• Added Synthetic food colours
Why are these test parameters significant
• Sugar content - Fruits contain natural sugars, which if consumed in moderation can be part of a healthy
diet. However, too much added sugar can cause health problems like high blood pressure, inflammation,
weight gain, diabetes, heart ailments and fatty liver disease.
• Salmonella - An infection with Salmonella bacteria causes diarrhea, fever and stomach pains. You can
get it by consuming contaminated food.
• E. coli - E. coli infection, also caused by contaminated food, can lead to severe stomach cramps, bloody
diarrhea and vomiting.
• Saccharine - Saccharine is a synthetic sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in various
foods and beverages, especially in products marketed as ‘sugar-free’ or ‘diet’ options. It can cause
gastrointestinal discomfort and allergic reactions. Artificial sweeteners are added to Aamras when the
pulp lacks natural sweetness. Many of these are known carcinogens.
• Added Synthetic food colours - Tartrazine and sunset yellow FCF which are most commonly added
to Aamras, are linked to adverse health effects like allergies among asthmatics, hyperactivity, stomach
upsets and skin swelling.

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15 June 2024
What does the Aamras you buy contain

We tested eight samples of branded and

loose Aamras for Total sugar, Added sugar,
Bacterial Count (Salmonella and E. coli),
Saccharine and Added colours. Findings
from Aamras testing are given below:
• Total Sugar - All 8 samples tested
had total sugar content ranging from
8.25g/100g to 16.34g/100g. The highest
total sugar was found in a branded
Aamras sample. A loose Aamras sample
had the lowest total sugar.
• Total Sugar found in the branded
Aamras samples was comparatively
more than in the loose samples.
• The daily recommended requirement for sugar for sedentary to moderately active lifestyles is 20g
- 30g per day. Hence portion control while eating Aamras is required if you want to keep your total
sugar intake in check to prevent adverse impact on health.
• Added Sugar - One sample had almost no added sugar. However, the other 7 samples contained added
sugar in the range of 2.34g/100g to 5.99g/100g.
• Added Synthetic Colours - All 8 samples of Aamras did not have any added colours.
• Bacterial Count (Salmonella & E. coli): None of the samples showed presence of Salmonella and E.
coli. Hence, all samples conformed to FSSAI prescribed Standards for this parameter.
Labelling Information
• Only one out of all eight Aamras samples had given proper and required Labelling Information
including ingredients and nutritional information.
• All the other 7 samples did not give any required Labelling Information.
• In the absence of any labelling information, there is no way of knowing what the contents/ingredients
of the product are. When Manufacturing/Packing Date and Best Before Date are not displayed on
label, it is not possible to know if the food product is safe to eat or is expired or old.
Grahak Sathi Recommendation
It is advisable to make Aamras at home to ensure that you are consuming safe and
hygienically prepared Aamras of good quality. You can also avoid adding extra sugar.
Storebought perishable food products like Aamras can often be contaminated and cause
serious illness. They can also be high in sugar. It is also recommended to avoid buying
food products without essential label information like ingredients, best before date and
nutritional information as you cannot make an informed choice.

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15 June 2024
Tips for buying Aamras

Grahak Sathi brings to you a simple guide which you can use when buying
ready-to-eat Aamras. However, it is best to prepare Aamras at home.
• Always purchase Aamras which has good packaging from a reputed shop
or brand. Buy from a popular shop to ensure freshness and quality.
• When buying packaged Aamras, check for all labelling information on
the pack like MRP, Packed Date, Best Before Date, Batch No.,
Manufacturing Address etc.
• Refrain from buying Aamras which does not give important label
information.
• If the Best Before Date shows a long shelf life, it indicates that it has
preservatives. Avoid such a brand.
• If the label does not give nutrition information, you will not know the
sugar content. Such products should be avoided.
• Check the ingredients list for the presence of saccharine or any other
artificial sweeteners.
• Avoid buying loose Aamras. If you buy loose Aamras, check for its
consistency. If it is too thin and runny, it may be adulterated with water.
Contaminated water is a major reason behind water borne diseases such
typhoid, jaundice and diarrhea.
• Avoid brightly coloured loose Aamras as it can contains synthetic
food colours.
• If there is a slight bitter aftertaste after eating the Aamras, it may contain
artificial sweeteners.
• Look for zero added sugar variety if available to control your sugar
intake. You can always add sugar at home.
• Aamras should preferably be made at home so that you can ensure
purity, control added sugar and avoid artificial colour/flavour.

Links to our recent issues Expert Speak

1. Grahak Sathi Educates and Empowers Consumers In this issue,
2. Grahak Sathi Helps Consumers to get their Dr. Prabodh Halde,
Complaints Resolved Head - Regulatory,
3. Grahak Sathi Yuva (May 2024) Marico Ltd. talks about
Umami – Exploring
4. Protect yourself against Cyber Frauds
the fifth taste
5. Grahak Sathi Educates and Empowers Consumers Dr. Prabodh Halde

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15 June 2024