There is abundance of adulterated things in India. Especially when we talk about food items, adulteration is seen the most in it. Spices, milk, ghee, oil, everything has adulteration. Let us know today in this news that if an adulterer is caught adulterating food items, then how much punishment will he face under Indian law.
What do the rules and regulations say?
To deal with matters related to adulteration and food safety in India, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has been enacted. Apart from this, the rules of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) made under it are also followed. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has been enacted to ensure the quality, hygiene and safety of Indian food items. Under this law, adulteration in food items is prohibited and if any person is found selling adulterated goods, then strictest action is taken against him.
How much punishment do you get?
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, if a person is found producing, selling or distributing adulterated food items, then it is considered a serious crime. If found guilty, there is a provision for fine, punishment or both. Talking about fine, there can be a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for making and selling adulterated food items. Whereas, considering the seriousness of the crime, in such cases the punishment can range from 6 months to 7 years. At the same time, if a person dies due to eating adulterated food items, then the adulterant can be sentenced to life imprisonment or up to 10 years.
Punishment is also given under section 272 and 273
Apart from the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) also has penal provisions for offenses related to adulteration. Especially in cases of fraud and endangering the lives of the general public. In fact, if adulterated food items are sold by a person, due to which there is no danger to anyone’s life, then it comes under fraud. Under sections 272 and 273 of the Indian Penal Code, a person selling adulterated food items can be punished with imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 2 years and can also be fined.
Whereas, if adulterated food causes a serious health condition of a person or spreads a disease or endangers someone’s life, then it is considered a serious crime. In such cases, the person concerned can be sentenced to 3 to 7 years of imprisonment and a heavy fine can also be imposed on him.
