BNS Section 274
What is the punishment for adulterating food or drink intended for sale?
Short answer
The offence is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
In detail
If a person adds harmful substances to any food or drink so that it becomes dangerous, and does so with the intention of selling it as food or drink, or knows it is likely to be sold, the law treats this as a criminal act. The punishment for such adulteration can be a jail term that may last as long as six months, a monetary fine that may go up to five thousand rupees, or a combination of both imprisonment and fine. The provision does not require the product to actually be sold; the intention or knowledge that it will be sold is enough to attract liability. This rule aims to deter anyone from compromising the safety of food and beverages that reach consumers.
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People also ask
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Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.