Food is the cornerstone of human health, survival, and body development. It acts as fuel for our body and forms an integral part of cultural traditions and national identity. But what happens when this source of survival becomes a source of danger due to adulteration? It transforms into a public health crisis. Food adulteration, the act of adding inferior or harmful substances to food items, has emerged as a complex and pervasive issue in India and many other parts of the world. Despite awareness and existing laws, it continues to rise day by day due to greed, lack of consumer awareness, and weak enforcement.

In this comprehensive news feature, we explore the causes of food adulteration, types, impact, real-world examples, government efforts and future outlook of food adulteration. We also include expert opinions, citizen reactions and global perspectives.

What is food adulteration?

Food adulteration is defined as the intentional degradation of quality of food material either by adding inferior, or harmful, or cheaper substances. Sometimes it occurs unintentionally due to improper handling, storage, or contamination. Food adulteration is commonly observed in milk, spices, cereals, tea, oils, vegetables, fruits, sweets, and even packaged food items.

Types of food adulteration

1. Intentional food adulteration: 

– Addition of chalk powder to flour

– Mixing of water in milk

– Addition of starch to ghee or milk

– Use of artificial colours in vegetables

2. Incidental Adulteration: 

– This happens due to poor hygiene and contamination during processing or transportation.

– Example: fungal contamination, rodent droppings, pesticide residues 

3. Metallic Contamination:

Heavy metals like mercury, lead and arsenic can cause food adulteration by entering through polluted water, pesticides or processing units.

4. Packaging Hazard: 

This food adulteration is caused due to entry of toxic substances from packaging materials like plastic, newspaper or any other chemical containers into the food.

Major Adulterants and Their impacts on health

1. Milk

– Common Adulterants: Water, detergent, starch, urea

– Health Effects: diarrhea, kidney damage, cancer

2. Vegetables:

– Common Adulterants: Malachite Green, Oxytocin 

– Health Effects: Cancer, hormonal imbalance

3. Turmeric powder:

– Common Adulterants: Lead chromate

– Health Effects: Anemia, paralysis 

4. Tea leaves:

– Common Adulterants: Iron fillings, coloured leaves 

– Health Effects: Digestive problems, liver failure 

5. Mustard seeds: 

– Common Adulterants: Argemone seeds 

– Health Effects: epidemic dropsy, glaucoma 

6. Sweets:

– Common Adulterants: Silver/aluminium foil, non-edible colours

– Health Effects: Cancer, skin allergies 

7. Edible oils: 

– Common Adulterants: Mineral oil, castor oil

– Health Effects: Liver problems, indigestion 

8. Ice cream:

– Common Adulterants: Washing powder 

– Health Effects: Gastrointestinal problems 

Real life examples of food adulteration in India

1. Milk adulteration in North India ( 2023 ): – FSSAI and local bodies seized over 20,000 litres of milk adulterated by detergent and urea in Delhi- NCR ahead of festive seasons.

2. Toxic Turmeric in Maharashtra (2022): – In Jalgaon, Maharashtra, a major spice unit was sealed after testing positive for adulteration with lead chromate, a carcinogenic substance.

3. Fake Tea Leaves in West Bengal (2021): – In Kolkata, a racket was busted that used coloured papaya leaves as fake tea. The artificial colour used was highly toxic.

4. Fruit Ripening with Calcium Carbide: – Farmers and traders across India use Calcium Carbide for several years to ripen mangoes and bananas faster. This compound releases arsenic and phosphorus which are deadly when consumed over time.

Also Read: Chia Seeds Benefits: Nutrition, Uses, Risks and Comparison with Sabja Seeds

Causes of Food Adulteration 

1. Motive of Profit and Greed – Profit margins are increased by addition of cheaper substances.

– To extend shelf life, unscrupulous traders knowingly adulterate the product.

2. Weak Enforcement: – Despite strong laws, enforcement becomes ineffective due to lack of inspection, surprise visits and manpower.

3. Lack of awareness among consumers:  – The majority of people are unaware of how to detect adulteration.

4. Inadequate Penalties: – Small fines or non-custodial sentences fail to deter repeat offenders.

5. Supply Chain Complexity: – Chances of contamination and tampering are more when there is a long supply chain with multiple handlers.

Health Hazards of Food Adulteration

1. Short- term Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain

2. Long- term Effects: Kidney/Liver failure, Cancer, Reproductive disorders, Neurological damage, Hormonal imbalance, Birth defects, Weakened immunity

3. Children and Pregnant Women at Higher Risk:

– Toxic chemicals affect brain development and fetal health 

Legal Framework and Government Measures

There are several laws in India to curb food adulteration:

1. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 ( FSSAI):

– It is established by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

– It lays down scientific standards for food articles.

– For grievous adulteration, there are provisions for penalty up to life imprisonment in severe cases.

2. Indian Penal Code (1860):

– According to this Act, sections 272 to 276 deal with Adulteration of food or drinks

– Punishment of imprisonment up to 6 months and fine is given

3. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954

– This act was replaced by FSSA for a unified regulation

Recent Initiatives by FSSAI and States:

– Eat Right India Campaign

– State Surveillance Programs 

– Mobile Testing Labs ( Food Safety on Wheels)

– Regular lab sampling and publication of reports 

– Awareness through social media and local workshops

Role of Technology in Detecting Adulteration

1. Food Testing Kits: Kits are available for easy testing of milk, turmeric, chilli powder, oil and jaggery at home.

2. Spectroscopic and Chromatographic techniques: These techniques are utilized in laboratories for accurate detection of chemical adulteration.

3. AI and Blockchain in Supply Chains: Helps in real time traceability of food origin and handlers

4. Use of mobile apps: The FSSAI’s mobile app ‘Food Safety Connect’ is useful for consumers to report complaints

Citizen Responsibility and Awareness: 

– Checking product labels and expiry dates

– Consumers should buy products from trusted sources 

– Avoid buying food which is unnatural in look like shiny fruits, too yellow turmeric 

– Home kits should be available for testing milk and spices at home

– Try to create awareness among family members and society 

– Report complaints to FSSAI or the health department if any suspicious food is observed.

Experts’ Opinions

1. Dr. Ashok Rathore, Food Scientist, Pune University:

“Adulteration is now not just an economic crime; it is a moral and biological crime. With rising cancer and organ damage cases, we need stricter punishments and swift action.”

2. Renu Sharma, Nutritionist:

“Parents must be extra cautious when it comes to milk, sweets, and snacks given to kids. Most long- term diseases like diabetes and hormonal disorders are rooted in what we eat.”

International perspective:

Globally, food fraud is a $50 billion industry. Notable examples are as follows – 

1. China’s 2008 Milk Scandal: Melamine-laced milk caused kidney damage in over 3,00,000 children.

2. Olive Oil adulteration in Europe: Expensive oils diluted with cheap ones.

3. Honey Scams: Diluted honey or sugar syrup being imported globally.

India needs to align with Codex Alimentarius Commission norms for global food safety.

Impact on Economy and Trust: 

1. Food adulteration affects people’s health 

2. It also increases medical costs

3. Damages export reputation

4. It affects farmers who are blamed unfairly 

5. Leads to loss of consumer trust in branded and local foods

Steps Towards a Food-Safe Future

1. Stricter Laws and punishments: Swift trials and harsh penalties should be given for repeat offenders.

2. Modern Labs in Every District: Reduce backlog and ensure fast testing 

3. Education in schools: School curricula should include basic food safety education. 

4. Public-private Partnerships: It encourages industries to self-regulate and share data

5. Encouraging Organic Farming and Local Sourcing: It builds community level resilience 

Satgyan by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: A Moral Shield Against Food Adulteration 

Food adulteration is more than a consumer inconvenience. It is a silent epidemic that threatens the health of millions. With public awareness, modern technology adoption, and collective responsibility from governments, producers, and consumers, this challenge can be effectively tackled. India should ensure production of safe, unadulterated and pure food to become a global powerhouse of food.

Today, greed and dishonesty have corrupted even the purity of food. Satgyan (true spiritual knowledge) of Bandi Chhod Satguru Rampal Ji Maharaj plays a vital role in eradicating food adulteration from its root. According to Bandi Chhod Satguru Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, adulteration arises from greed, ego and lack of fear of God. 

When a person follows true worship and understands that sinful acts like adulterating food brings suffering both in this life and beyond. Satgyan encourages people to live with honesty. Followers of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj strictly follow the maryada (spiritual discipline), avoiding all harmful or impure activities and engage in selfless service by providing pure, hygienic food through initiatives like “Annapurna Muhim.” Thus Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj has proved that the true solution of food adulteration lies not only in laws but also in inner transformation through spiritual knowledge.

FAQs:- 

Q1. What is food adulteration?

Food adulteration means adding, mixing, or substituting harmful or low-quality substances in food items to increase profit. This can include chemicals, artificial colors, or non-edible materials that make food unsafe for consumption.

Q2. Why is food adulteration considered dangerous?

Because it directly impacts human health. Adulterated food can cause stomach disorders, poisoning, cancer, liver and kidney failure, and even death in severe cases. Long-term consumption weakens immunity and affects children’s growth.

Q3. What are some common examples of adulterated foods in India?

Milk – mixed with water, detergent, or starch

Spices – mixed with brick powder, artificial color

Honey – blended with sugar syrup

Ghee and oils – mixed with cheaper oils or animal fat

Vegetables – polished with harmful dyes and chemicals like malachite green

Q4. How can consumers detect food adulteration at home?

Simple tests can reveal adulteration:

Milk: Drop on a polished surface — if it flows quickly, it’s diluted.

Chili powder: Sprinkle in water — brick powder settles down.

Honey: Pure honey doesn’t dissolve easily in water.

Sugar: If it smells of kerosene or looks too white, it may contain washing soda.

Q5. What are the government laws against food adulteration in India?

India’s main legal framework is the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, monitored by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It sets safety standards and imposes fines or imprisonment on violators.

Q6. How does food adulteration affect the economy?

It damages consumer trust, harms honest businesses, reduces exports, and increases healthcare costs due to rising food-borne diseases. It also discourages fair trade and lowers India’s global food reputation.

Q7. What role does FSSAI play in preventing food adulteration?

FSSAI conducts surprise inspections, laboratory testing, awareness campaigns, and issues safety certifications. It also promotes initiatives like Eat Right India to educate consumers about safe food practices.