Food Adulteration (Paragraph / Composition / Essay)

Paragraph Writing

Food Adulteration

Food adulteration is the act of deliberately adding something to the food, intentionally debasing the quality of the food offered for sale either by the admixture or substitution of inferior substances or by the removal of some valuable ingredient. Unsafe levels of pesticides are present in around half of the vegetables and more than a quarter of fruits sold in the markets. Food posioning, in the form of metals, toxins, or bacteria, stomach disorders, liver problems, vision problems, skin diseases are the diseases caused by adulteration of food. Carbide, formalin, heavy metal, chemical, textile colours, artificial sweeteners, DDT, urea etc. are used rampantly for this purpose. Milk is mixed with water. Vanaspati is used as an adulterant for ghee. Ergot is used as an adulterant for cereals. Chalk-powder is used as an adulterant for flour. Chicory is used as an adulterant for coffee. Papaya seeds is used as an adulterant for pepper. Brick-powder is used as an adulterant for chilly-powder. Tamarind seed powder is used as adulterant for coffee. Wood powder is adulterated for turmeric and dhaniya powder. Adulterated food is impure, unsafe, or unwholesome food. Instead of focusing only on the end products, the issue should be addressed at the root level. Better monitoring and supervision were mandatory for stopping food adulteration. The Ministry of Food had enacted a Food Safety Act, but was yet to prepare the necessary rules. As the issue of food safety was also linked to 14 other ministries, a coordinated agency should take responsibility of ensuring safety in food products.

Model Answer-2

  Food Adulteration

Food adulteration is a serious problem affecting our country. It involves adding harmful substances to food items, which can lead to health issues. The food we eat should be pure and nutritious to maintain good health. Unfortunately, many food producers, importers, and sellers use various chemicals and ingredients to extend the shelf life of products or enhance their appearance. However, these additives can be harmful to our health. Reports indicate that consuming adulterated foods can result in diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, insomnia, constipation, anemia, and mental retardation. Additionally, they can contribute to heart problems and high blood pressure, leading to fatalities. Furthermore, there are long-term effects of consuming adulterated food, including potential interruptions in a child's mental development. Adulteration is widespread in various food products like milk, baby foods, fruits, vegetables, juices, and biscuits. Sadly, consumers often have no choice but to consume these adulterated foods. However, there is a growing concern among both the government and the public regarding this issue. To combat food adulteration, the government has implemented measures such as deploying mobile courts to detect and punish dishonest individuals selling adulterated food. Additionally, some conscious citizens are making efforts to avoid purchasing these products. However, these actions alone are insufficient. It is imperative for both the government and the public to collaborate in addressing this problem effectively. Law enforcement agencies also need to be vigilant in enforcing regulations against food adulteration. By working together, we can strive to eliminate this harmful practice and ensure the safety and well-being of the population.

Model Answer-3

Food Adulteration Showing Its Causes and Effects

Food adulteration, the act of adding impurities or substandard substances to food products, is a pervasive issue that poses serious threats to public health. Several underlying causes drive this unethical practice. First and foremost, economic motivations often lead to adulteration, as unscrupulous individuals seek to maximize profits by diluting or substituting genuine ingredients with cheaper alternatives. Inadequate regulatory measures and lax enforcement further contribute to the problem, allowing dishonest food producers to operate with impunity. Moreover, the complexity of the global food supply chain, with products passing through various intermediaries before reaching consumers, presents ample opportunities for adulteration. The rapid urbanization and demand for processed foods exacerbate this issue, as consumers often prioritize convenience over food authenticity. The consequences of food adulteration are multifaceted and dire. From a health perspective, it can lead to acute food poisoning, chronic illnesses, and even fatalities when toxic or harmful substances are introduced into the food supply. In addition, long-term consumption of adulterated foods can result in nutritional deficiencies, as essential nutrients are replaced by non-nutritive or harmful elements. Beyond health concerns, food adulteration erodes consumer trust in the food industry, creating skepticism about the safety and authenticity of food products. Furthermore, it negatively impacts the competitiveness of honest food producers and harms the reputation of a country's food industry on the global stage. Addressing food adulteration requires a comprehensive approach that includes strict enforcement of regulations, raising public awareness, improving testing and monitoring processes, and promoting ethical practices within the food industry to safeguard public health and the integrity of the food supply.

Model Answer-3

Write a paragraph on 'Food Adulteration' in about 200 words based on the answers to the following questions.

(a) What do you mean by food adulteration? (b) How does food get adulterated? (c) Why is it done so? (d) Who are responsible for food adulteration? (e) Do you think that food adulteration should be continued or it should be controlled immediately? (9 What is the impact of adulterated food on our body? (g) What can be done to stop it?

Food Adulteration

Food adulteration involves adding or mixing poor quality, harmful, or unnecessary substances into food. This act spoils the natural quality of food and is considered a serious crime. Some unscrupulous businessmen engage in food adulteration to make money, disregarding the health of others. They often use harmful chemicals to make food look attractive or to preserve it for longer periods. Unsafe levels of banned pesticides like DDT, Aldrin, Chlordane, and Heptachlor are also used. The impact of food adulteration is severe and affects the entire nation. People who consume adulterated food can suffer from fatal diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, and heart problems. It acts like slow poisoning, and long-term consumption can even lead to death. Therefore, controlling food adulteration is crucial. To combat this issue, the government should strictly enforce the Food Safety Act. There should be severe punishment for those who violate these regulations to deter such activities. Ensuring food safety is essential to protect public health and maintain trust in the food supply.

Composition / Essay Writing