Mixing of brick powder with Chili powder is a case of:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Food Adulteration

Rationale:

Food adulteration refers to the act of intentionally lowering the quality of food by adding or mixing harmful, inferior, or non-edible substances. This is done to increase profit margins at the expense of public health and safety.
Mixing brick powder with chili powder is a clear example of food adulteration. Brick powder is a non-edible substance added to chili powder to increase its weight and appearance, but it poses serious health risks, such as gastrointestinal issues and long-term organ damage.
This kind of adulteration is illegal and punishable under food safety laws in many countries. It is considered a deceptive practice that compromises both the quality and safety of food products.

Explanation of Other Options:

1) Food Toxication

Rationale: Food toxication refers to the presence of toxic substances, such as bacterial toxins (e.g., botulinum toxin, staphylococcal toxin), in food. This is typically caused by the improper handling or storage of food, leading to microbial growth. The mixing of brick powder with chili powder does not involve toxins but rather the intentional addition of a harmful substance.

2) Food Additives

Rationale: Food additives are substances added to food intentionally to enhance its flavor, texture, appearance, or shelf life. Examples include preservatives, colorants, and emulsifiers. Brick powder is not a food additive because it is not added for any beneficial purpose but rather as a harmful adulterant.

3) Food Fortification

Rationale: Food fortification involves the addition of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to food to improve its nutritional value. For example, fortified flour may contain added iron or folic acid. Brick powder does not enhance the nutritional value of chili powder and is therefore not related to food fortification.

Conclusion:

The mixing of brick powder with chili powder is a deliberate act of food adulteration, which is a serious offense and poses significant health risks. It is distinct from food toxication, additives, and fortification, as it involves the intentional degradation of food quality rather than the enhancement or accidental contamination of food.