Food is fundamental to life—but what happens when what we eat becomes a threat? In India, food adulteration is both a public health crisis and a legal challenge. With rising consumer awareness, the enforcement of laws under IPC Sections 272 and 273 and the FSSAI Act has gained new urgency.
The Scale of the Problem
According to government data, food adulteration cases have increased consistently, with items like milk, spices, and oils being most commonly affected. Often, unscrupulous vendors mix harmful substances to increase volume or shelf life, endangering consumers in the process.
Legal Framework: IPC Meets FSSAI
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) addresses food adulteration through Sections 272 and 273, which criminalize the sale of adulterated and noxious food. These sections carry imprisonment of up to six months and fines, though critics argue that the penalties are insufficient.
The more robust framework today comes from the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, enforced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This law provides detailed standards, licensing protocols, and penalties for violations.
An in-depth look at how these laws work together is available here: Food Adulteration Laws in India: IPC 272, 273, and FSSAI.
Enforcement Challenges
Low conviction rates due to poor testing infrastructure and legal delays
Limited awareness among small vendors about compliance
Overlap of laws, leading to jurisdictional confusion
In a country where millions depend on informal vendors, enforcement must be balanced with livelihood protection. Much like how rent laws try to balance landlord and tenant interests (explained here), food safety enforcement requires similar nuance.
Role of Judiciary
Courts have shown a proactive stance in protecting public health. In Swami Achyutanand Tirth v. Union of India, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for state accountability in food regulation. Several high courts have also mandated stricter inspections and public disclosure of food test results.
Interestingly, procedural laws also affect food safety cases. When prosecution is delayed, limitation issues can derail justice. This is discussed in detail in the Limitation Act article, where calculation of time and admissibility is critical.
Empowering Consumers and Regulators
Greater public involvement is essential. Citizens can now:
File complaints through FSSAI’s mobile app
Demand testing reports under RTI
Report misleading ads and hygiene violations
This mirrors how legal education is empowering individuals in bail-related matters, as covered in this discussion on maintainability of bail appeals.
To stay informed about such intersections between law and public health, follow Ratio and Beyond, where legal insights meet real-world impact.