Combating Food Adulteration In India: Legal Challenges, Consumer Awareness, And The Path To Safe Food

Y. Jecintha Benadicta, LL.M., The Central Law College, Salem

R. Mano, LL.M., The Central Law College, Salem

M.Moulishvarran, LL.M., The Central Law College, Salem

ABSTRACT

Food adulteration is a widespread and critical issue that endangers public health, leading to significant physical, economic, and societal repercussions. Despite the presence of laws such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and the Consumer Protection Act, these measures have not been fully effective in curbing the practice. This is largely due to ineffective enforcement, a lack of administrative coordination, and limited consumer awareness. Adulteration has become pervasive in both processed and staple food items, with adulterants ranging from harmful chemicals to inferior substitutes, putting consumers at serious risk.

The study emphasizes the need for stringent legal reforms, including harsher penalties for violators, enhanced legal frameworks, and active consumer education to tackle this issue. It advocates for the empowerment of consumers through increased awareness of their rights and the risks associated with adulterated food. Moreover, the study stresses the importance of a holistic, integrated approach involving regulatory bodies, the food industry, scientific communities, and voluntary consumer organizations. This approach should focus on developing effective regulatory measures, ensuring compliance, and creating a robust mechanism for public safety.

Particular attention is given to the dairy industry, where food adulteration is especially prevalent, posing severe risks to consumer health. The study suggests the need for transparent regulatory practices, such as blacklisting companies found guilty of adulteration, issuing public recalls, and raising awareness through media campaigns. By implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines legal action, consumer protection, industry accountability, and educational initiatives, the study argues that the food safety landscape in India can be significantly improved, ensuring access to safe and unadulterated food for all citizens.

Keywords: Food adulteration, consumer law, fssai, human being, sell and buy, product, food scam