Does Aashirvaad atta really contain plastic? Read More
Claim
As we can see that in video ,that rubber like substance is present in Flour,while company is complaining that 0% Maida & 100% AATA,This is very injurious for Us & Our children
Rating
Explanation
The above viral tweet is shared by a user with an image of an Aashirvaad wheat flour pack along with a video. In the video, we can see a lady’s hand where she stretches the flour claiming that the rubber-like substance is present in flour, while the company is stating 0% maida and 100% aata. They went on to add that this is very injurious for our health and importantly children.
@ITCCorpCom
As we can see that in video ,that rubber like substance is present in Flour,while company is complaining that 0% Maida & 100% AATA,This is very injurious for Us & Our children pic.twitter.com/xzDdLjuDuy— Abdul (@alok6467) August 24, 2023
This video was recently shared in 2023 but this kind of video has been shared since 2018 which can be seen here and below.
Come, let’s check whether Aashirvaad atta really contains plastic.
What’s the truth?
While we started our research, we directly found the ITC reply to the viral video in the comment section. While reading it we understood that ITC has replied in five parts to the viral claim.
In the tweet, they clearly mentioned that some malicious videos are circulating on social media suggesting that Aashirvaad Atta contains plastic/rubber. This is blatantly false. They further added, “It is a mischievous attempt to destroy your trust in us. What is being called plastic/rubber is in fact wheat protein.
This wheat protein is also known as gluten, which is what binds the atta together and gives elasticity to the dough when kneaded. The standards mandated for Atta under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, stipulate a minimum of 6% gluten on a dry mass basis.”
They further assured the consumers that Aashirvaad Atta is completely safe and that there is no adulterant in the same. The thread goes on to explain, “Aashirvaad Atta is manufactured with utmost care and every effort is taken to see that it is manufactured as per the law.
We request the general public who come across such malicious videos/messages to please bring the same to our attention, by writing to us at itccares@itc.in or calling us on our toll-free number 1800 425 444 444 We also caution that appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone who posts, shares or circulates any text, picture or videos that spread such false news about Aashirvaad Atta.”
This proves that there is no plastic in the atta and it is completely safe to consume by all people. Moreover, we got another video from Dr. Jagdish Pai, Executive Director of Protein Foods and Nutrition Development Association of India explaining the importance and presence of gluten in Atta which is misunderstood as plastic. The doctor says the claim is totally wrong and false. He further adds that the particular video that is floating on social media gives misinformation. FSSAI also published a clarification regarding presence of plastic in wheat flour.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein naturally occurring in cereal grains such as wheat, barley and rye. It is known for its viscosity and elasticity. The gluten is formed during the kneading of the bread dough. Kneading causes the gluten strands to get stronger and longer. However, if too much gluten is formed then the bread dough does not stretch so easily. This will cause the bread to become tough and chewy. Relaxing or resting the dough reduces the elasticity of the dough making it easier to roll out.
Thus, it’s clearly evident from the above information that Aashirvaad atta doesn’t have plastic and it is the gluten that is misunderstood as plastic by social media users.
Conclusion:
Therefore, we conclude from the evidence that Aashirvaad atta doesn’t have plastic in it. The substance that is misunderstood as plastic in atta is gluten which is an important product needed for dough’s elasticity.
