Food adulteration is the act of intentionally debasing the quality of food offered for sale either by the mixture inferior substances or by the removal of some valuable ingredient.
Adulteration of commonly used food is increasing at an alarming pace. The cost of food is forever increasing and the unscrupulous traders are indulging in malpractices to increase their profit margin.
Consumers should safeguard themselves from buying adulterated food in following ways:
1. Buy from standard and reliable brands of food.
2. Do not buy loose foodstuffs as it is easier to adulterate them than to tamper with the packed food.
3. Study the label and the standard mark before purchasing the food.
4. Always check the date of manufacturing and the date of expiry of the food before purchasing.