272 vs 273
The transition of food safety laws to BNS, featuring higher financial penalties for adulteration and sale of noxious food.
What Changed?
Renumbered IPC 272 to BNS 273 (Adulteration) and IPC 273 to BNS 274 (Sale).
Fine increased 5x (from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000) to reflect inflation and modern risks.
Works in tandem with the FSSAI Act for enforcement.
Verdict
"Stronger financial deterrent against the sale of harmful food and drink."
Detailed Analysis
272
Section Data Pending
273
Section Data Pending
Legal Implications
Practical Scenarios
"A trader adding industrial coal-tar dyes to chili powder (BNS 273)."
"Selling meat from animals that died of a disease as fresh produce (BNS 274)."
Expert Q&A
Does BNS 273 apply to simple milk-water mixing?
Only if the water is contaminated and makes the milk noxious. Dilution to cheat on quantity might be prosecuted under Cheating or FSSAI regulations.
What is the BNS equivalent of IPC 272/273 (Food Adulteration)?
IPC 272 → BNS 273 (adulterating food/drink); IPC 273 → BNS 274 (selling adulterated food). Both operate alongside the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 (FSSA) — FSSA handles regulatory penalties; IPC/BNS handles criminal prosecution.
When does food adulteration become criminal rather than just regulatory?
When the adulteration renders the food 'noxious' — harmful to health. Mere dilution may be a regulatory violation but not 'noxious' for IPC purposes. Adding harmful chemicals, prohibited colourants, or toxic adulterants constitutes criminal adulteration under Section 272/BNS 273.
Can both manufacturer and retailer be prosecuted under Sections 272/273?
Yes — Section 272 targets the MANUFACTURER/adulterator; Section 273 targets the SELLER who knowingly sells noxious food. The knowledge element in Section 273 distinguishes a retailer who innocently stocks adulterated goods from one who knowingly sells harmful products.
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