NEW DELHI, (Economy india):Food adulteration has become a serious concern in India as the demand for cheaper and attractive-looking food products continues to rise. From milk and spices to edible oils, sweets, and packaged foods, cases of mixing low-quality or harmful substances have been reported across different parts of the country.
Adulterated food is often sold to increase profits by reducing production costs. Unscrupulous sellers may mix cheaper materials, artificial colours, chemicals, or inferior ingredients with original products, putting consumers’ health at risk.
Milk is among the most commonly adulterated food items in India. Reports of adding substances such as water, detergents, starch, and synthetic ingredients have raised concerns about the safety of daily-use products. Similarly, spices are sometimes mixed with artificial colours, fillers, and other unwanted materials to increase quantity and improve appearance.
The festival season also sees a rise in concerns over adulterated sweets and dairy products. Many consumers purchase large quantities of sweets during celebrations, creating opportunities for some traders to compromise on quality.
Experts warn that regular consumption of adulterated food can lead to health problems, including digestive disorders, allergies, and long-term complications. Children and elderly people are considered more vulnerable to the harmful effects of contaminated food.
Government agencies, including food safety authorities, have increased inspections and awareness campaigns to control the problem. Strict action against offenders, improved testing facilities, and consumer awareness are considered important steps to reduce food adulteration.
Consumers can also play a role by purchasing products from trusted sellers, checking quality marks, reading labels carefully, and reporting suspicious food products to authorities.
While India has made progress in strengthening food safety regulations, the challenge of adulteration remains significant. A combined effort from regulators, businesses, and consumers is needed to ensure that safe and pure food reaches every household.
(Economy india)
