Adulteration of food is an addition or elimination of any substance to or from food, lead to the loss of natural composition and low quality of food substance. An adulterant is a substance which is applied to adulterate the food. Adulteration of food maybe developed in any stage from production to selling. The consequences will be huge, to our health as well as to the surroundings.
Now-a-days, this is quite common in the developing countries. Definitely, the products we’re utilizing now-a-days, will be adulterated in one route or other and it’ll be commenced by either producer or seller. Especially, inclusion of adulterants, which is prominently profitable to the producers/manufacturers, though it’s harmful to the consumers in case of consuming hazardous adulterants. The adulteration essence in every product has been done above 25%. Besides, it automatically, assist in reducing the cost of the raw materials, add bulk to the product, and expands margin to the profit.
Prevention of adulteration in food
Few ways applicable for evading the adulterated foods from daily use. Some of them are
- Purchase the ingredients in a trusted and reputed shop
- Check whether the food samples in the outlets are frequently inspected by food inspectors
- Maintenance of the cleanliness of the premises without infestations
- Verify the date of manufacture, date of expiry, source of product, etc.
- Ensure the intactness of the package
- Monitor the health condition of the local people whether they fall sick often
- Educate the community about the food adulteration and sanitation
Prevention of food adulteration act
To prevent the growing menace of adulteration, the Prevention of Food Adulteration Bill was passed by both the house of Parliament and received the assent of the President on 29th September, 1954. It existed on force 1st June, 1955 as The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The main objective of this act are as follows:
- To make provisions for the prevention of adulteration of food
- To prevent sale, manufacture, sale or distribution of adulterated and misbranded food
- To prevent all types of adulterated food.
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