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Food adulteration crisis: A wake-up call
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Friday, 23 May, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Ashwin Bhadri
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Food adulteration has emerged as a serious public health issue in India. Over the past two decades, both well-known brands and street vendors have been found guilty of compromising food safety. The cases reported between 2006 and 2024 highlight the widespread nature of the problem. These statistics reveal the extent of food adulteration in India, its causes and the regulatory measures taken to address it.
India has a long history of dealing with food safety challenges. Earlier laws such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 were designed to combat unsafe food practices. However, the fragmented nature of these laws created gaps in enforcement.
The Food Safety and Standards Act was introduced in 2006 to address this. It marked a turning point in the way India regulated its food industry. The Act led to the formation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2008. This body now oversees the enforcement of food safety regulations across the country.
The aim was to integrate various food-related laws and create a single reference point for food safety standards. FSSAI’s role includes framing regulations, licensing businesses and ensuring compliance through inspections and sampling.
Data on food adulteration is collected through regular sampling of food items by state and central authorities. Food safety officers visit markets, factories and street food stalls to collect samples. These are tested in NABL-accredited laboratories across the country.
In addition to planned sampling, enforcement teams respond to consumer complaints. Surprise raids are also conducted, especially in cases where large-scale adulteration is suspected. The results are used to take both civil and criminal actions against violators.
FSSAI publishes yearly reports based on these activities. These reports provide insight into the number of samples tested, the percentage found unsafe or substandard and the legal steps taken.
The statistics present a grim picture. In 2020–21, over 107,000 food samples were tested. Of these, around 28,000 did not meet the required standards. This led to the filing of over 24,000 civil cases and nearly 4,000 criminal cases.
The situation worsened in the following year. In 2021–22, the number of civil cases rose to nearly 29,000, while criminal cases reached close to 5,000. These figures show a rising trend in non-compliance.
In Rajasthan alone, a report from 2024 revealed that 25 per cent of food samples were adulterated. The state registered nearly 4,000 legal cases in a single year. Many of these were linked to street food stalls and small food manufacturers.
Even trusted brands have come under the scanner. In 2024, the Rajasthan Food Safety Department found some products from MDH and Everest containing ethylene oxide. This substance is classified as a carcinogen and is banned in food products. The findings raised concerns across India and abroad.
One of the most alarming findings dates back to 2014. By then, over 72,000 food businesses had been found guilty of food safety violations since FSSAI's establishment. This number includes both large manufacturers and smaller vendors.
The reasons behind food adulteration are complex. Many businesses are driven by profit. Adulterating food helps reduce production costs. For example, milk is diluted with water or starch. Spices are mixed with coloured powders. Oils are often contaminated with industrial solvents.
Lack of awareness also plays a role. Many small-scale operators are unaware of food safety rules. They use unsafe materials either out of ignorance or in an effort to cut corners.
Enforcement remains a challenge. Many food safety departments are underfunded and understaffed. In some states, there is only one food safety officer per district. This makes routine inspections difficult and irregular.
Moreover, penalties are often too light to act as a deterrent. While the law allows for imprisonment and hefty fines, most violators get away with minimal punishment. This encourages repeat offences and undermines the seriousness of the law.
Street food, though beloved by millions, is often prepared in unhygienic conditions. Vendors rarely use gloves, purified water, or clean utensils. Many lack licenses or registration. This makes it harder for regulators to track and monitor them.
Brands, on the other hand, are expected to meet higher standards. When they fail, the damage is far-reaching. It erodes consumer trust and harms India’s image in international markets. The spice contamination case in 2024 had repercussions abroad, with several countries issuing advisories against Indian products.
Food adulteration is not just a legal issue. It is a matter of public health, consumer rights, and ethical business conduct. While FSSAI and state bodies have made significant efforts, much more needs to be done.
Stronger enforcement is essential. This includes hiring more inspectors, upgrading testing labs, and increasing penalties for violators. Public awareness campaigns can help educate both consumers and food business operators. Better hygiene training for street vendors will also go a long way.
The trust of consumers must be restored. This can happen only when every stakeholder, from small vendors to multinational brands, is held accountable for the food they sell.
Looking ahead, more research is needed to identify patterns in adulteration. Authorities must also explore the use of technology, such as AI-based surveillance and mobile testing kits, to improve detection and response times.
Until then, consumers must remain vigilant. Choosing certified products, reporting suspicious items, and demanding transparency will help push the industry towards safer standards
(The author is CEO at Equinox Labs)
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