Are you aware of what goes into that essential ingredient that forms the foundation of countless Indian meals? Yes, we’re talking about aata, the versatile flour that brings us the beloved rotis, chapatis, and parathas. But have you ever stopped to consider the quality and integrity of the aata you purchase from the market? In a world where consumer choices abound, it’s crucial to be aware and informed about the products we bring into our kitchens. This article aims to shed light on the importance of consumer awareness when it comes to buying aata, ensuring that you make the best choices for your health and well-being. So, join us on this journey as we uncover the secrets hidden within those seemingly innocent bags of flour and empower you to become a discerning and confident aata buyer. Let’s dive in!

                                                                                                                                                                  Richa Pande

When it comes to aata, there’s more than meets the eye. This humble flour comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. From the finely ground wheat aata that gives you those soft and fluffy rotis to the nutrient-packed multigrain aata that adds a wholesome twist to your meals, the choices seem endless. However, amidst the vast array of packaged aata available in the market, there are common concerns that conscientious buyers like you should be aware of. Adulteration, contamination, and misleading packaging practices have become all too prevalent, compromising the quality and safety of the flour we bring home. That’s why it’s crucial to choose your aata wisely, considering factors such as purity, nutritional value, and transparency. By making informed decisions and opting for high-quality aata, you not only safeguard your health but also contribute to the overall well-being of your family. So, let’s delve deeper into the world of aata and discover why being a discerning buyer is the key to nourishing your loved ones with the best.

In a world where food products often conceal hidden truths, it’s not uncommon for seemingly innocent bags of aata to harbor their own set of concerns. As an informed consumer, it is crucial to be aware of the common pitfalls when purchasing aata. Let’s unveil the hidden realities behind these packages filled with flour.

1. Adulteration and Contamination

• Mixing of Low-Quality Grains:One of the most prevalent issues in the aata market is the mixing of low-quality grains. Some unscrupulous sellers may blend inferior or even damaged grains to cut costs and maximize their profits. This compromises the overall quality and nutritional value of the aata, leaving you with subpar flour.
• Presence of Artificial Additives:To enhance texture, colour, or shelf life, some manufacturers resort to adding artificial additives to their aata. These additives may include chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic flavour enhancers that are not only detrimental to your health but also mask the natural characteristics of the flour.
• Contaminants such as Pesticides or Chemicals: Inadequate quality control measures during cultivation, processing, or storage can lead to the presence of contaminants like pesticides or harmful chemicals in aata. Consuming flour contaminated with such substances poses serious health risks and can have long-term implications for you and your loved ones.

1. Misleading Packaging and Labelling

• False Claims of Nutritional Value:It’s not uncommon to come across aata packages flaunting bold claims about their nutritional value. However, many of these assertions may be misleading or outright false. Some brands may exaggerate the health benefits of their product without any scientific backing, leaving you uncertain about the actual nutritional composition of the flour.
• Incomplete Ingredient List:Another packaging concern is the lack of transparency when it comes to the ingredient list. It’s crucial to be aware of what goes into your aata, but unfortunately, some brands conveniently omit or provide incomplete information about the ingredients used. This lack of transparency hampers your ability to make informed decisions about the flour you’re purchasing.
• Deceptive Branding and Marketing Tactics:Eye-catching packaging, captivating taglines, and clever marketing tactics can sway even the most discerning buyer. However, it’s important to go beyond the surface and not fall prey to deceptive branding. Some brands may use misleading imagery, buzzwords, or claims to create a false perception of quality and purity, leading you to choose aata that may not meet your expectations.

Different Types of Aata

Multigrain Aata

Multigrain aata, a blend of various grains, offers a nutritious alternative to traditional aata. Packed with a diverse range of nutrients, it adds depth and flavour to your meals. Different brands may offer different combinations of grains, leading to variations in taste and texture. If possible, sample a small quantity or read reviews to gauge the overall flavour and consistency of the multigrain aata. Opt for multigrain aata that is free from artificial additives, preservatives, or refined flours. Ensure that the grains used are of high quality and sourced from reliable suppliers.

Organic Aata

Organic aata, derived from organically grown grains, is gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers for several reasons. Organic aata is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means it is free from harmful chemical residues, making it a healthier choice for you and the environment. Organic farming practices focus on maintaining soil health, resulting in grains that are often more nutrient-dense compared to conventionally grown counterparts. Organic aata is known for its higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a more wholesome diet. Also, organic farming methods promote sustainable agriculture, emphasizing soil conservation, biodiversity, and reduced pollution. Choosing organic aata supports sustainable practices and helps preserve the natural ecosystem. Look for recognized organic certifications, such as Jaivik Bharat, on the packaging. These certifications ensure that the aata has met stringent organic standards and is genuinely organic.

Fortified Aata

Fortified aata, enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, offers several advantages in improving public health. It serves as a safe and effective method to prevent nutritional deficiencies, as wheat flour is widely consumed. Fortification is a cost-effective way to add back essential nutrients lost during milling. The inclusion of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in fortified aata is crucial for combating anaemia and supporting blood formation. To identify fortified aata, look for the “+F” mark on the packaging. This mark signifies that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the required fortification standards. By choosing fortified aata, consumers can ensure that their meals are enriched with vital nutrients, contributing to a healthier and more nourished society. 

Making an Informed Choice

When it comes to buying aata from the market, a little research and attention to detail can go a long way in ensuring that you bring home a high-quality product. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:

• Read Online Reviews and Ratings:Before making a purchase, take some time to read online reviews and ratings of different aata brands. Feedback from other consumers can provide valuable insights into the quality and reliability of the product.
• Seek Recommendations from Trusted Sources:Ask family, friends, or even local culinary experts for their recommendations on trusted aata brands. Personal experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations can help you make informed decisions.
• Check for Recognized Certifications or Quality Seals:Look for recognized certifications or quality seals on the packaging. These certifications indicate that the aata has undergone rigorous testing and meets certain quality standards.
• Look for Clear and Legible Information:Inspect the packaging for clear and legible information. Ensure that the brand name, ingredients, and nutritional information are easily readable. Avoid products with vague or ambiguous labelling.
• Check the Expiry Date and Manufacturing Date:Always check the expiry date and manufacturing date of the aata. Freshness is key when it comes to flour, so choose products with longer shelf lives and recent manufacturing dates.
• Ensure Proper Sealing and Tamper-Proof Packaging:Ensure that the packaging is properly sealed and tamper-proof. Airtight packaging helps maintain the quality and freshness of the aata, while tamper-proof seals provide assurance that the product hasn’t been tampered with.

When it comes to ensuring safety and quality at home, proper storage and regular inspection of aata play crucial roles. By following simple guidelines, such as storing aata in airtight containers in cool and dry places, we can protect it from moisture and pests, preserving its freshness and integrity. Regularly inspecting the aata for signs of spoilage or insects allows us to promptly discard any compromised products, preventing health risks. Additionally, being mindful of the expiry date and discarding aata past its prime ensures that we consume only the freshest and safest flour. By adopting these practices, we can confidently prepare meals that not only delight our taste buds but also prioritize our health and well-being.

A new field of study was opened in 1984 when Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys generated the first genetic fingerprint in his lab at the University of Leicester. Talking about his discovery, Sir Alec said, “My life changed on Monday morning at 9.05 am, 10 September 1984. What emerged was the world’s first genetic fingerprint. In science it is unusual to have such a ‘eureka’ moment. We were getting extraordinarily variable patterns of DNA, including from our technician and her mother and father, as well as from non-human samples. My first reaction to the results was ‘this is too complicated’, and then the penny dropped and I realised we had genetic fingerprinting.”

Dr. Anil Kumar Tomar

Scientist-D

Department of Biophysics, AIIMS, New Delhi

Genetic fingerprinting, or commonly referred as DNA fingerprinting, is a revolutionary method that has transformed the study of forensic science. It is a method that employs analysis and comparison of DNA to solve legal issues like paternity testing and inheritance disputes, establish identity in criminal cases when biological evidence is discovered at crime scenes, and identify victims of major catastrophes, and mutilated and unidentified bodies. In addition, it is also routinely applied in immigration issues, and wildlife forensics. The principle behind DNA fingerprinting is the idea that some portions of each person’s genome have a unique genetic code. To discover a person’s unique genetic profile, this technique entails analysing and comparing specific segments of their DNA. Within the DNA molecule, this code is made up of nucleotide sequences that are organised in a definite order. Short tandem repeats (STRs), for example, are highly variable DNA sections that can be used to create a unique pattern or “fingerprint” for each person. There are various steps involved in the DNA fingerprinting process. A biological sample is first used to extract DNA; this sample could be blood, saliva, hair, or any other bodily fluid. DNA is cut into specified fragments using restriction enzymes and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify DNA segments, which are then separated by a gel electrophoresis technique and bands of DNA fragments are visualised by X-ray. The DNA profile of the person is represented by the resulting band pattern.

Soon after its discovery, the first paternity case, an immigration case, and the identification of identical twins were all solved in 1985 using DNA fingerprinting. While, the first criminal investigation to use DNA fingerprinting evidence occurred in 1986. Few years later, a leading British chemical company, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) marketed the first commercially available kit. As a very accurate and reliable technology for identifying suspects, establishing ties between crime scene evidence and criminals, DNA fingerprinting has had a significant impact on forensic investigations. Further, identifying disaster or mass casualty victims, settling paternity and kinship issues, and studying genetic diseases and population genetics have all benefited greatly from its use. However, the ability to trace and identify ancestral lineages using DNA fingerprinting has become more important. Scientists can discover the genetic markers that have been passed down through the generations by examining particular sections of an individual’s DNA, revealing information about one’s ancestry.

The widespread use of DNA fingerprinting by anthropologists, social scientists, and genealogists to support conventional / historical research and create connections with biological parents is a result of technology advancements and low costs. The capabilities and applications of DNA fingerprinting have been substantially enhanced by the development of DNA sequencing technologies. The simultaneous examination of several genetic markers using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology boosts the efficiency and discriminatory power of the process. Ancestry DNA tests help people to discover more about their family roots. People frequently utilise DNA ancestry tests to learn about their ethnicity and family history. DNA ancestry tests available to the public are Y chromosome test, mitochondrial DNA test, autosomal DNA test, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), etc.

A Y chromosome test is employed to ascertain whether tested males have the same paternal ancestry. The Y chromosome is passed down from father to son and has extremely low mutation over many generations. All males in a direct male line will have the same Y chromosome profiles, if such a line can be identified. This test is the best way to determine whether alleged males are genuinely connected biologically. On the other hand, mitochondrial DNA testing is used to determine maternal lineage. While mitochondrial DNA is inherited by all children, only biological females have the ability to pass it on to future generations. Thus, this test is applicable to both biological males and females to know about their maternal ancestry. Autosomal DNA tests are not specific in that way and are applied to confirm parent/child relationships and all other relationships up to the second cousins. Autosomal DNA is inherited from the autosomal chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomal and one pair of sex chromosomes (X and Y). SNPs are the most prevalent form of genetic variations in people. Each SNP is a variation in a single nucleotide, the basic unit of DNA. SNPs are common genetic variations that can be used to infer a person’s ethnicity or ancestry. SNP testing may be superior to Y chromosome or mitochondrial DNA testing, which only consider one ancestral line. Their ability to identify degraded DNA strands is an advantage.

Looking at present scenario, this technique has evolved exponentially in terms of technological innovations and commercialization. It is now commercially available for consumers at a reasonable price. If you want to learn about your ancestry, you can simply select and order from a range of DNA fingerprinting tests as per your requirements. The major global firms that provide these test facilities are Family Tree DNA, Easy DNA, Ancestry.com DNA, and 23andMe. Several companies in India are also offering these services, including DNA Forensics Laboratory, DDC Laboratories India, map my genome, Xcode Life, and DNA Labs India.