Food Fraud and Adulteration

Don't be cheated by these malpractices

Whether it's adulterated olive oil, ash in pepper, chalk in flour, or diluted coffee beans, food fraud and adulteration are increasingly a reality of our lives. In fact, commonly consumed food items such as dal, rice, spices, oil, butter and ghee are often targeted by fraudsters. Consumption of such food items over a long term can have serious implications on one's health. Don't lose heart, though. There are ways to sift through the fake and the adulterated, and find the authentic foods, provided you are equipped with the basic information and know your to-dos. The following write-up will shed light on aspects related to this subject and while at it, give you some handy tips to help you identify the fake stuff. tampering, or misrepresentation of food, food ingredients, or food packaging; or false or misleading statements made about a product, for economic gain.’

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines another term associated with food fraudulence – that is, economically motivated adulteration. It is