Which statement best defines an adulterated product?

• A. Adulterated Product
• B. A product that contains any poisonous or deleterious (harmful or deadly) substance which may render it injurious (harmful) to health
• C. Sanitation
• D. Compliance

Answer: (B)

In FSIS terms, adulteration means the product is unsafe because it contains something poisonous or deleterious that could harm health. The statement that a product contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health directly captures that standard. It emphasizes the health risk from contaminants rather than issues of cleanliness or regulatory compliance. Cleanliness (sanitation) and meeting requirements (compliance) describe processes or states, not the definition of adulteration, and restating the idea without defining the risk isn’t as precise. An example is a product with a toxic contaminant or toxin above allowable levels, which makes it adulterated because it could cause harm.