Water as an adulterant

Although the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code does not define and does not even use the term ‘adulterate’, the very first Pure Food Acts in Australia were designed to prevent adulteration rather than provide for a safe and healthy food supply. Although gross adulteration in food supply has been greatly reduced, today there are numerous forms of adulteration that occur: i.e. contamination – microbiological, physical, illegal ingredients, et al; and “legal” adulteration such as mandatory fortification of certain foods such as salt or flour in Australia. However, this article addresses examples of water as a legally permitted adulterant.