Q.Write short notes on 'adulteration'.

Adulteration is the act of debasing a genuine product by adding an inferior, cheaper or harmful substance, or by removing a valuable component, thereby harming the consumer. Adulteration is studied as one of the main forms of consumer exploitation in the Tamil Nadu HSC Commerce course. - Meaning: It is the intentional lowering of the quality of a product, most commonly food, by mixing it with a substandard or dangerous substance, or by taking out a useful ingredient. - Common examples: adding water to milk, mixing sand or stones in food grains and pulses, colouring stale food, mixing chicory powder in coffee, or using harmful chemical colours in sweets. - Effect on the consumer: the buyer pays the full price but gets an inferior product; adulterated food can cause illness and even long-term harm to health. - Legal position: it is an unfair and illegal trade practice; laws such as the Food Safety and Standards Act penalise adulteration and consumers can seek …