Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954

  • The Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act was introduced by the Government of India in the year 1954 with the view to ensure pure and wholesome food for the public and to protect them from fraudulent trade practices
  • The act has been revised many times over the years
  • Under this act, adulteration of food is punishable as follows:
    • Minimum imprisonment of 6 months and a minimum fine of Rs.1000 (in case of adulteration not resulting in death or grievous injury)
    • Maximum punishment upto life imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs.5000 (in case of adulteration resulting in death or grievous injury – as defined by section 320 of IPC
  • Voluntary organisations are also authorised for collecting food samples
  • ‘Central Committee for Food Standards’ is responsible for creating rules and updating them from time to time
  • The state governments and local bodies are responsible for the day to day implementation
  • The central government supervises and coordinates the activity
  • The Director General of Health Services gives appropriate training for the food inspectors, analysts and the senior officials

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