adulterants

Adulterants are substances added to another substance to alter its quality, purity, or identity, often to deceive consumers or to increase volume, weight, or apparent potency. They can occur in foods, medicines, drugs, cosmetics, or chemicals, and may be introduced deliberately or result from contamination. Because adulteration can pose health risks, many countries regulate products through quality standards and testing.

In food and beverages, adulterants include diluents such as water or starch, undeclared additives, or contaminants intended to disguise spoilage or extend supply. Examples include banned coloring agents or toxins, and, in historical cases, melamine in milk products. Regulatory agencies set limits, require traceability, and enforce penalties for violations.

In pharmaceuticals and medicines, adulterants may be impurities, residual solvents, or unlisted excipients that alter safety or efficacy. Counterfeit or substandard products may contain incorrect active ingredients, degraded compounds, or hazardous contaminants. Pharmacopoeias and good manufacturing practices establish quality specifications and mandatory testing.

In illicit drugs, adulterants or cutting agents increase bulk or modify effects and can be hazardous. Substances such as caffeine, lidocaine, or fentanyl have been reported as adulterants, raising risks of overdose and unpredictable reactions. Law enforcement and public health agencies monitor and respond to such adulteration.

In other contexts, adulterants can affect cosmetics, dietary supplements, and laboratory materials, potentially impacting performance or safety. Detection and prevention rely on comprehensive quality control, supplier verification, independent testing, and regulatory oversight to protect consumers and ensure product integrity.