Food safety in India: From adulteration to misleading labels, what does the law say?

Introduction

Food is a basic need linked to survival, health, and dignity rather than just a commodity. Food safety has become a major legal and societal concern in India, where a variety of cuisines and traditions of food thrive. From widespread adulteration in milk and spices to deceptive claims on packaged foods, the legal system has had to adapt to protect consumers. The foundation of Indian food regulation is the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA), which is overseen by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Meaning of Food?

Section 3(1)(j) FSSA defines “food” as follows:

“Food means any substance, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed, which is intended for human consumption and includes primary food to the extent defined in clause (zk), genetically modified or engineered food or food containing such ingredients, infant food, packaged drinking water, alcoholic drink, chewing gum, and any substance, including water used into the food during its manufacture, preparation or treatment but does not include any animal feed, live animals unless they are prepared or processed for placing on the market for human consumption, plants, prior to harvesting, drugs and medicinal products, cosmetics, narcotic or psychotropic substances”

To simplify, food means anything that is meant for people to eat or drink, whether it is raw, partly processed, or fully processed. It includes food items, drinking water, baby food, alcoholic drinks, chewing gum, genetically modified food, and substances like water used in preparing food. However, it does not include animal feed, unprocessed plants, medicines, cosmetics, narcotic or psychotropic substances, or live animals unless they are prepared for human consumption.

Why Food Safety is a Legal Issue?

Food safety transcends the realm of public health and enters the domain of law because unsafe food directly implicates fundamental rights, statutory obligations, and criminal liability. In India, the legal system treats food safety as a matter of justice, accountability, and governance. Several dimensions explain why food safety is inherently a legal issue:

A. Constitutional Dimension

• Right to Life (Article 21): The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted Article 21 to include the right to live with dignity¹, which encompasses the right to safe and wholesome food². Unsafe food violates this constitutional guarantee.

• Directive principles of State policy (Article 47): The Constitution directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and improve public health. Food safety laws are a direct implementation of this directive.

• Equality (Article 14): Food safety laws ensure that all consumers, regardless of socio-economic status, are equally protected against unsafe food practices.

B. Public Health Imperative

Unsafe food can cause epidemics, chronic illnesses, and even fatalities. For example:

• Adulterated milk with detergents or starch can cause long-term health damage.

• Excessive pesticide residues in vegetables can lead to cancer risks.

• Misleading claims on packaged foods (e.g., “sugar-free” products with hidden sweeteners) can harm vulnerable populations like diabetics.

Because unsafe food endangers collective health, the State has a duty to regulate it through law.

C. Consumer Protection

Food safety is also a matter of consumer rights:

• Right to Information: Consumers must know what they are eating. Mislabelling or hiding ingredients violates this right.

• Right to Choice: False claims restrict consumer choice by misleading them into buying unsafe or substandard products.

• Right to Redressal: Legal frameworks like the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, empower consumers to seek remedies against unsafe food.

D. Economic and Trade Considerations

Food safety is critical for India’s domestic and international trade:

• Domestic Trust: Unsafe food erodes consumer confidence in local markets.

• Exports: India’s agricultural and processed food exports depend on compliance with international safety standards. A lapse in food safety can lead to bans, damaging the economy.

• Investment: Strong food safety laws reassure investors in the food sector.

Also Read: Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules Explained

E. Criminal Liability and Deterrence

Food adulteration is not merely a civil wrong; it is treated as a crime under both FSSA and the Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). The law recognises that unsafe food can cause grievous harm, and therefore imposes imprisonment and fines to deter offenders.

F. Governance and Accountability

Food safety laws establish accountability mechanisms:

• Regulatory Oversight: FSSAI and State Authorities are legally bound to monitor and enforce standards.

• Corporate Responsibility: Food businesses are legally obligated to maintain hygiene, labelling accuracy, and quality control.

• Judicial Oversight: The courts intervene through PILs and consumer litigation to enforce food safety norms.

G. Social Justice Perspective

Food safety is also a matter of equity. The poor and marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by adulterated or unsafe food because they often rely on cheaper unregulated markets. Therefore, ensuring safe food is a legal obligation tied to social justice and inclusive development.

What Counts as “Unsafe Food”?

FSSA defines “unsafe food” broadly to capture both physical adulteration and deceptive practices. Unsafe food is not limited to visibly contaminated items; it includes any product that poses a risk to consumer health or misleads them about its nature.

A. Categories of Unsafe Food

• Adulterated Food: Mixing inferior or harmful substances, e.g., chalk powder in flour, brick powder in chili powder.

• Contaminated Food: Presence of harmful microbes, pesticide residues, heavy metals, or toxins.

• Misbranded Food: False or misleading labels, such as claiming “sugar-free” when artificial sweeteners are present.

• Sub-standard Food: Food that does not meet prescribed quality standards but may not be directly harmful.

• Improperly Processed Food: Food prepared in unhygienic conditions or using expired ingredients.

B. Legal Definition

Section 3(1)(zz) FSSA defines “unsafe food” as follows:

“unsafe food means an article of food whose nature, substance or quality is so affected as to render it injurious to health-

1. by the article itself, or its package thereof, which is composed, whether wholly or in part, of poisonous or deleterious substances; or

2. by the article consisting, wholly or in part, of any filthy, putrid, rotten, decomposed or diseased animal substance or vegetable substance; or

3. by virtue of its unhygienic processing or the presence in that article of any harmful substance; or

4. by the substitution of any inferior or cheaper substance whether wholly or in part; or

5. by addition of a substance directly or as an ingredient which is not permitted; or

6. by the abstraction, wholly or in part, of any of its constituents; or

7. by the article being so coloured, flavoured or coated, powdered or polished, as to damage or conceal the article or to make it appear better or of greater value than it really is; or

8. by the presence of any colouring matter or preservatives other than that specified in respect thereof; or

9. by the article having been infected or infested with worms, weevils, or insects; or

10. by virtue of its being prepared, packed or kept under insanitary conditions; or

11. by virtue of its being mis-branded or sub-standard or food containing extraneous matter; or

12. by virtue of containing pesticides and other contaminants in excess of quantities specified by regulations.”

So, in essence, unsafe food means food injurious to health due to its composition, processing, packaging, or labelling. This definition ensures that both physical safety and informational honesty are covered.

C. Key Regulations Defining Food Standards

1. Non-compliance with product standards and additive limits

   The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011³ prescribe quality and compositional standards for a wide range of food products, including:

   • Dairy products

   • Fats, oils and fat emulsions

   • Fruits and vegetables products

   • Cereals and cereal products

   • Meat and meat products

   • Fish and fish products

   • Sweets and confectionery

   • Salt, Spices and condiments

   • Beverages

   • Other food products and ingredients

   Apart from this, the Regulation also specify the types and permissible limits of food additives that may be used. Food that does not conform to these standards, or contains unauthorised or excessive additives, may be treated as unsafe.

2. Exceeding prescribed contaminant and residue limits

   The Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011⁴ establish maximum permissible limits for harmful substances in food, including:

   • Metal contaminants like lead, arsenic, mercury etc.

   • Crop contaminants and naturally occurring toxic substances

   • Insecticide residues

   • Biotoxins in fish and fishery products

   • Veterinary drug and antibiotic residues

   Food containing contaminants, toxins or residues beyond the prescribed limits may pose health risks and fall within the category of unsafe food.

3. Sale of prohibited or restricted food products

   The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011⁵ identify certain food products, ingredients and practices that are prohibited or subject to restrictions. Food sold in violation of these prohibitions or restrictions may be considered unsafe, irrespective of whether actual harm has occurred.

D. Illustrative Examples

• Adulterated milk⁶ diluted with water and formalin or added urea, detergent etc.

• Spices adulterated with artificial colours.

• Packaged snacks with misleading “low-fat” claims.

• Street food prepared in unhygienic conditions.

Unsafe food is therefore a legal category that encompasses both tangible contamination and intangible deception.

Who Makes Sure Food is Safe?

Food safety in India is enforced through a multi-tiered regulatory framework, with FSSAI⁷ at the top.

A. FSSAI’s Role

Section 16 FSSA lists the duties and functions of the FSSAI out of which a few important ones are under:

• Standards & Regulations: Formulates food safety standards and regulations.

• Accreditation: Accredits certification bodies and food testing laboratories.

• Policy Support: Provides scientific and technical advice to governments.

• Risk Monitoring: Collects food safety data and identifies emerging risks.

• Information Dissemination: Shares reliable food safety information with stakeholders.

• Training: Conducts capacity-building programs for food businesses.

• International Coordination: Contributes to global food safety standards.

• Awareness: Promotes public awareness of food safety and food standards through campaigns like “Eat Right India”⁸, “Aaj Se Thoda Kam”⁹, “Har Label Kuch Kehta Hai”¹⁰ etc.

The following regulations are administered by FSSAI in exercise of its regulatory powers:

1. Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017¹¹

2. Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017¹²

3. Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017¹³

4. Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018¹⁴

B. State-Level Authorities

Each state has a Food Safety Commissioner who oversees enforcement, supported by Food Safety Officers and Designated Officers.

Also Watch: Bombay HC: Same Food Safety Standards for Government Canteens and Private Hotels

C. Laboratories

Food testing laboratories, both public and private, are accredited by FSSAI to test samples for compliance.

D. Judicial Oversight

Courts play a supervisory role, especially through Public Interest Litigations (PILs), ensuring accountability in enforcement.

Thus, food safety is ensured by a combination of regulatory, administrative, and judicial mechanisms.

What Are Food Businesses Legally Required to Do?

Food businesses, from street vendors to multinational corporations, are bound by statutory obligations under the FSSA. They need to ensure the following:

1. Licensing and Registration – Every food business must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on its scale as per the provisions contained in Section 31 FSSA as well asthe Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011,¹⁵ These regulations establish a risk-based regulatory framework and classify food business operators into three categories based on factors such as annual turnover, production capacity, scale and nature of operations:

   • Registration for petty food businesses and small-scale operators;

   • State Licence for medium-sized food businesses operating within a State; and

   • Central Licence for large food businesses, importers, exporters, and entities engaged in specified activities requiring central oversight.

   Also Read: FSSAI Licensing & Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026

2. Hygiene and Sanitation – Businesses must maintain hygienic premises, equipment, and processes.

3. Quality Control – Regular testing of raw materials and finished products is mandatory.

4. Labelling Compliance – Accurate and complete labelling is required, including nutritional information and allergen declarations.

5. Traceability – Businesses must maintain records to trace ingredients and supply chains.

6. Training – Staff must be trained in food safety practices.

Failure to comply can result in fines, suspension of licenses, or criminal liability as contemplated under FSSA.

Food Labels

Food labels are the primary interface between businesses and consumers, making them legally significant. They inform consumers about the food products, improve awareness and help them make informed purchasing decisions. They also ensure the accountability of the food businesses.

A. Mandatory Information

Every food item must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020¹⁶ and its subsequent amendments. Every food label must contain the following¹⁷:

1. Name of the food

2. Ingredients list

3. Nutritional facts (calories, protein, fat, sugar, etc.)

4. Veg/Non-Veg Mark

5. Declaration of food additives

6. Details of the manufacturer, packer or importer.

7. FSSAI license number and FSSAI logo

8. Quantity

9. Batch code

10. Date of manufacture and expiry

11. Country of Origin

12. Instructions for use

13. Allergen declaration (milk, nuts, gluten)

14. Customer care contact details

B. Claims Regulation

Words like “organic,” “natural,” or “fortified” must meet prescribed standards. Misuse is treated as misbranding.

Also Read: Food Safety Enforcement in India: Misbranding & Courts

What Happens if Food is Found Unsafe?

Unsafe food triggers legal consequences under FSSA.

Violations and their consequences

Violation	Provisions under FSSA	Consequence
Sale of food of different nature, substance or quality	Section 50	Fine up to Rs 5 lakhs
Sale of sub-standard food	Section 51	Fine up to Rs 5 lakhs
Sale of Misbranded food	Section 52	Fine up to Rs 3 lakhs
Misleading advertisements	Section 53	Fine up to Rs 10 lakhs
Food containing extraneous matter	Section 54	Fine up to Rs 1 lakh
Failure to comply with Food Safety Officer’s directions	Section 55	Fine up to Rs 2 lakhs
Unhygienic processing or manufacturing	Section 56	Fine up to Rs 1 lakh
Processing adulterant	Section 57	Maximum fine up to Rs 10 lakhs
If no specific penalty provided	Section 58	Fine up to Rs 2 lakhs
Unsafe food	Section 59	Maximum punishment of fine up to Rs 10 lakhs + imprisonment up to life if death occurs
Interfering with seized items	Section 60	Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to Rs 2 lakhs
False information	Section 61	Imprisonment up to 3 months + fine up to Rs 2 lakh
Obstructing or impersonating a Food Safety Officer	Section 62	Imprisonment up to 3 months + fine up to Rs 1 lakh
Operating without license	Section 63	Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine up to Rs 5 lakhs
Obstructing Food Safety Officer	Section 64	Imprisonment up to 3 months + fine up to Rs 1 lakh

Can a Food Business Be Criminally Liable for Unsafe Food?

Yes. Criminal liability arises when unsafe food causes injury or death.

A. Under FSSA – Section 59 provides for imprisonment up to life if unsafe food results in death.

B. Under BNS – Sections 274 and 275 BNS [corresponding to Sections 272 and 273, Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)] criminalise adulteration and sale of noxious food.

Violation	Provisions under BNS	Consequence
Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale	Section 274	Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 5000 or both
Sale of noxious food or drink	Section 275	Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 5000 or both

C. Corporate Liability – Under Section 66 FSSA, Directors and managers can be held personally liable if negligence is proven.

Thus, food safety violations can escalate from civil fines to criminal prosecution. It can also lead to recall orders issued against unsafe food under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017.¹⁸

What Can a Consumer Do?

Consumers are empowered under multiple laws.

A. Complaint Mechanisms

• File complaints with FSSAI or State Authorities.

• Use FSSAI’s “Food Safety Connect” app¹⁹.

B. Legal Remedies

• Approach consumer courts under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

• Seek compensation for injury or loss.

• File PILs for systemic issues.

Consumers therefore have both individual and collective remedies.

Recent Food Safety Developments in India

India’s food safety landscape is evolving rapidly.

A. Front-of-Pack Labelling (FoPL)

The Supreme Court has given the Centre two weeks to decide on Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL), a system that displays clear nutrition warnings or indicators for high sugar, salt, or fat, on the front of packaged food products to help consumers make informed choices. Citing rising obesity levels and the sharp growth of ultra-processed foods, the Court said FOPL is an important public health measure, especially for children, and urged the government to finalise a labelling format in line with global best practices. Read More HERE

B. Maharashtra FDA Enforcement Drive

As Maharashtra FDA Commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe has led an aggressive State-wide food safety and anti-adulteration drive, carrying out widespread inspections of restaurants, food manufacturers and pharmacies; suspending licences of dozens of eateries over hygiene violations; cracking down on food adulteration, artificial milk, illegally ripened fruits and labelling violations; seizing banned gutka and pan masala products; filing FIRs and sealing non-compliant units; ordering action against misleading food claims, including Dabur’s “100%” labels; and issuing notices over surrogate advertisements such as the Vimal Elaichi campaign.

Also Read:

1. FDA to pay ₹5 Lakh after Pune sweet shop shut despite 98% Compliance: Bom HC

2. FDA recalls restrictions on ACILOC drug stocks

3. Food Safety: Same standards to government canteens and private establishments: Bom HC

4. Bombay HC restores food licence despite two insects in hotel kitchen

C. Dabur 100% Claim

FSSAI has ordered Dabur to withdraw food products carrying “100%” claims²⁰ such as “100% Pure”, “100% Natural”, “100% Organic” and “100% Purity Guaranteed”, holding that such claims are ambiguous, unverifiable and likely to mislead consumers under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018²¹. The action covers products including honey, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, ghee and coconut milk, with the regulator directing the company to halt sales and remove the claims from labels and advertisements.²² Although the Delhi High Court has stayed²³ that order and the further hearing is pending.

Also Read: Delhi HC stays Dabur Prohibitory Order under FSS Act

D. ORS Controversy

The controversy was over electrolyte drinks being sold with “ORS” branding despite not meeting WHO standards for Oral Rehydration Salts.²⁴ FSSAI said this could mislead consumers into treating them as medical rehydration solutions, prompting a market withdrawal order²⁵ that was later upheld by the Delhi High Court²⁶ on public health grounds.

Landmark Cases on Food Safety

1. Nestle India Ltd. v. Food Safety & Standards Authority of India²⁷

   The Maggi controversy escalated in 2015 when FSSAI ordered a nation-wide recall and ban of Maggi noodles after lab tests allegedly found excessive lead levels and raised concerns over the “No Added MSG” claim. Nestlé India challenged the decision before the Bombay High Court, contending that the ban was based on flawed testing and violated principles of natural justice. On 13 August 2015, the Court set aside the ban holding that the orders were arbitrary and violative of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution as mandatory procedure laid down in Section 47(1) FSSA had not been followed and directed fresh testing in accredited laboratories. After the new tests cleared the product, Maggi returned to the market, making the case a landmark moment for food safety regulation, product testing and labelling compliance in India.²⁸

2. Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India²⁹

   This public interest litigation concerned allegations of pesticide residues in soft drinks and sought stronger regulation of food safety and labelling. The Supreme Court treated food safety as part of the constitutional right to life and health under Article 21, stressing the State’s duty to protect consumers from unsafe food products. While the Court did not order a ban on soft drinks, it directed FSSAI and other authorities to strengthen monitoring, inspections, risk assessment and regulatory enforcement and highlighted the need for scientific regulation, monitoring and consumer information.

3. Pepsico India Holdings (P) Ltd. v. Food Inspector³⁰

   This case arose from the prosecution of Pepsico and its officials under food adulteration laws after its sweetened carbonated water (Pepsi) sample allegedly failed to meet prescribed standards. The Supreme Court emphasised that food business operators are entitled to procedural safeguards and that prosecutions must be based on proper compliance with statutory requirements. The judgment reinforced the principles of due process, fairness in food enforcement actions, and the need for authorities to follow prescribed testing and sampling procedures before initiating criminal liability against manufacturers.

4. Uday Foundation for Congenital Defects & Rare Blood Groups v. Union of India³¹

   The Delhi High Court, while addressing concerns about the widespread availability of junk food and sugary drinks to children, directed FSSAI to develop a regulatory framework promoting healthy food in schools. The case led to the formulation of school food safety guidelines and later regulations³² discouraging or restricting the sale and marketing of high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar foods in and around schools.

5. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. v. State of M.P.³³

   Hindustan Unilever Ltd. and its nominated officer were prosecuted under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA Act), after a sample of Dalda Vanaspati Khajoor Brand Ghee was found to be adulterated. The Supreme Court held that a nominated officer’s liability is tied to the company’s liability; therefore, since the company was not convicted, the conviction of the nominated officer could not be sustained. The Court also clarified that prosecutions under the repealed PFA Act continue through the saving provisions of FSSA.

6. Ram Nath v. State of U.P.³⁴

   The Supreme Court considered whether prosecutions for food adulteration could continue under Sections 272 and 273 IPC after the enactment of the FSSA. The case arose from allegations of adulteration of mustard oil, edible oils and rice bran oil for which FIRs had been registered under the IPC. The Court held that the FSSA is a special legislation governing food safety and under Section 89, has an overriding effect over inconsistent laws. Accordingly, offences relating to unsafe or adulterated food must be dealt with under the FSSA rather than under Sections 272 and 273 IPC. The Court quashed the IPC prosecutions while leaving it open to the authorities to initiate or continue proceedings under the appropriate provisions of the FSSA.

Few Important Food Packaging Symbols

Every Indian consumer must know the following food packaging symbols:

Symbol	Meaning
	Vegetarian origin
	Non-vegetarian origin
	Guarantees that food business is registered under FSSAI, basic food safety and hygiene measures
	Organic35 or Jaivik Bharat which shows that the item is produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers
	Vegan36, which means it does not contain any product derived from animals nor does it involve any testing on animals
	Food item is made as per strict rules, tested in a lab and approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
	Fortified37, meaning additional nutrients such as vitamins or minerals are added to the food item
	Not fit for human consumption
	AGMARK, the agricultural product meets prescribed quality and safety standards
	RADURA, food items have undergone irradiation

Also Read: FSSAI Notifies Vegan Food Amendment Regulations, 2026

Important Regulations under FSSA

1. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011

2. Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011

3. Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011

4. Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011

5. Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017

6. Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017

7. Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017

8. Food Safety and Standards (Food Recall Procedure) Regulations, 2017

9. Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017

10. Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018

11. Food Safety and Standards (Advertising & Claims) Regulations, 2018

12. Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018

13. Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020

14. Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Regulations, 2022

Conclusion

Food safety is a legal issue because it is not just about preventing illness, it is about protecting fundamental rights, ensuring consumer justice, safeguarding economic interests, and enforcing accountability. The law acts as the guardian of public health, ensuring that every citizen has access to food that is safe, nutritious, and honestly represented. In India’s context, where food is deeply cultural and widely diverse, the legal framework becomes indispensable in balancing tradition, commerce, and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is FSSAI registration mandatory for small vendors?

   Yes, even street vendors need registration.

2. Can homemade food businesses sell online?

   Yes, with FSSAI registration.

3. What is the penalty for expired food sale?

   Fine up to Rs 3 lakhs.

4. Are organic labels regulated?

   Yes, under Jaivik Bharat standards as provided under the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017.

5. Can consumers sue for food poisoning?

   Yes, under Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

6. Is vegetarian symbol mandatory?

   Yes, green dot for veg, brown for non-veg.

7. Can FSSAI ban products?

   Yes, FSSAI can ban products if they are unsafe.

8. Are imported foods regulated?

   Yes, subject to FSSAI clearance as provided under the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017.

9. What is FoPL?

   Front-of-Pack Labelling for nutrition warnings.

10. Can restaurants be penalised?

    Yes, for unhygienic practices.

11. Can misleading ads be punished?

    Yes, under FSSA and Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

12. Are food recalls common in India?

    Increasingly, especially for packaged foods.

13. Can Directors be jailed?

    Yes, for criminal negligence.

14. How can consumers complain?

    Via FSSAI portal, helpline, or consumer court.

15. Can a food business be criminally liable?

    Yes. A food business can be held criminally liable if unsafe food causes injury or death.