Food adulteration is a growing concern in today''s market, where the principle "all that glitters is not gold" holds significant relevance. Often, products that appear appealing and are marketed with high-end branding may not be as pure or safe as they seem. Adulterants are commonly added to food to enhance appearance, flavor, or shelf life, but these substances can be harmful and diminish the nutritional value of the food. For example, artificial colorings and cheap fillers can make a product look more desirable, but they may pose health risks or lead to serious medical conditions over time. Consumers are often misled by the superficial appeal of such adulterated foods, failing to recognize the potential dangers hidden beneath the surface. The glossy packaging and attractive labeling may glitter, but they do not guarantee the safety or quality of the product inside. Regulatory bodies and stringent testing are crucial in combating food adulteration, ensuring that consumers are protected from deceptive practices. Ultimately, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and informed, understanding that not everything that appears valuable or appealing is genuinely so. The adage reminds us to look beyond appearances and seek out transparency and integrity in the food we consume.

Food adulteration and its impact on health Pallavi Tomar and Gupta Alka Abstract Food adulteration is a major harmful cause in both the developed and less-developed countries. ‘’Adulterant’’ means any substances which could be compelled the food unsafe for containing extraneous matter. The term ‘’adulterant’’ was defined as, any substances which could force the food unsafe for containing foreign matter. The use of different adulterants like melamine, calcium carbide, argemone oil, synthetic food colours, artificial sweeteners, formalin etc. which is found in food production turns the food poisonous that harms human health and its cause of various serious diseases. Food is one of the basic needs for every living being and is very important aspect for life. But now a days foods are affected by different adulterants. Adulteration is a substance which reduces the vital importance of food adulterants like metanil yellow (an artificial colour) is used to intensify the colour of the turmeric powder also adulterant like chalk powder, brick powder and toxic substances are added to gain profit and to lower cost so as to compete with the market. Such adulterants can lead to anaemia, paralysis, brain damage, stomach disorders and also cancer. Spices may also be contaminated because of conditions under which they are cultivated and harvested. Contaminated spices have been reported to cause certain food-borne illnesses and spoilage. Keywords: Food adulterants, health hazards, food borne illness