India urged to prioritise food adulteration as a public health threat

Food adulteration in India, a routine yet largely invisible threat, demands greater public and governmental attention, experts caution. While terrorism, environmental pollution and epidemics receive urgent responses, contamination of daily food consumption typically lacks the same priority despite its potential for serious harm.

Adulteration may involve the addition of harmful or unauthorised substances such as non-permitted colours or contaminants, or the dilution and substitution of expensive ingredients for cheaper alternatives. These practices are often difficult for consumers to detect, as the compromised food appears normal by the.

What Happened

Similar concerns intensify during festive seasons such as Diwali and Holi, when demand for milk-based products rises sharply, but the problem persists beyond these periods. Complex supply chains, involving farmers, traders, processors, transporters, wholesalers and retailers, create multiple points where food safety.

• The 2016 incident in Delhi where potassium bromate and iodate—both unauthorised additives—were found in 32 out of 38 bread and bakery samples is a notable example of the hidden risks suddenly coming to light.

• The World Bank estimates the annual economic burden of food-borne diseases in India at around US$15 billion, encompassing medical costs, lost productivity and diverted household income.

• In 2024-25, agricultural exports were worth approximately US$51.91 billion, reaching over 200 countries and regions.

Key Details

Loose or unbranded food particularly complicates tracing and enforcement. The health impact varies from immediate gastrointestinal and allergic reactions to long-term effects from chronic exposure to contaminants, with symptoms often difficult to link directly to consumption.

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• Disclaimer: Kunal Kashyap is Commissioner, CGST (Appeals), Delhi, an officer of Indian Revenue Service (IRS-C&IT) and holds a Master’s degree in Psychology.

• Prevention, rather than solely response, should be the measure of success in protecting the health of over a billion people daily.

Why It Matters

Food safety also impacts India’s international reputation as an agricultural exporter. Food safety incidents abroad risk recalls, additional controls, and damaged trust that can hinder competitiveness.

• Ultimately, food safety systems must foster informed consumer trust supported by standards, testing, traceability and credible enforcement rather than suspicion.

• Nonetheless, the author emphasises that sustained public awareness is critical to prevent enforcement from becoming reactive rather than preventive.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by The News Mill as more details emerge