Safeguarding The Right To Food: Regulatory Responses To Food Adulteration In The Age Of Technology
Komal Agarwal, Maglin M Raja & Dr Swagatika Panigrahi
ABSTRACT
Food adulteration has emerged as one of the most alarming public health and consumer protection challenges in the modern era. Tainted Bites: Uncovering Food Adulteration Scandal critically examines the growing menace of deliberate contamination, substitution, and misrepresentation of food products for economic gain. The study explores common forms of adulteration, such as the mixing of inferior substances, chemical preservatives beyond permissible limits, artificial colouring agents, and synthetic sweeteners that pose serious health risks.
The paper analyses the socio-economic drivers behind food adulteration, including profit maximisation, weak regulatory enforcement, lack of consumer awareness, and supply chain complexities. It further evaluates the legal framework governing food safety, particularly the role of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the regulatory functions of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in preventing and penalising such offences. Judicial responses and enforcement challenges are also examined to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms.
Through doctrinal analysis and case illustrations, the study highlights the urgent need for stricter monitoring systems, technological interventions in food testing, stronger punitive measures, and enhanced public awareness campaigns. It concludes that combating food adulteration requires a coordinated approach involving government authorities, industry stakeholders, and informed consumers to ensure food integrity, public health protection, and sustainable development.
Keywords: Food Adulteration, Food Safety, Public Health, Regulatory Framework, Technology for Identification of Adulterated Food, Right to Food.
