If a food contains a poisonous or deleterious substance, is it adulterated?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if present in high quantity
• D. Yes, contains a poisonous or deleterious substance

Answer: (D)

Adulteration is defined by the presence of a poisonous or deleterious substance in a food, which makes it unsafe or unfit to eat. Because the danger comes from the substance itself, its mere presence qualifies the product as adulterated, not just a matter of how much is there. That’s why the option stating that the food “contains a poisonous or deleterious substance” is the best answer. The other choices fall short because adulteration isn’t limited to high quantities, it isn’t negated by their absence, and a vague “Yes” doesn’t specify the dangerous condition the law addresses.