Which statement best defines adulteration in meat and poultry products?

• A. A product is adulterated if it is labeled with incorrect net weight
• B. A product is adulterated if it contains filthy, putrid, or decomposed substances, or has been produced under insanitary conditions, or contains poisonous or deleterious substances, or its identity, quality, or strength is false or misrepresented
• C. A product is adulterated only if it has started to spoil
• D. A product is adulterated if it is not certified organic

Answer: (B)

Adulteration in meat and poultry products means conditions that render the product unsafe or not what it claims to be. The best definition includes four key aspects: filthy, putrid, or decomposed substances; production under insanitary conditions; poisonous or deleterious substances; and a false or misrepresented identity, quality, or strength. This covers contamination, unsanitary processing, harmful ingredients, and deceptive labeling. Labeled incorrect net weight is a labeling issue (misbranding) rather than adulteration. Spoilage alone signals quality decline, not necessarily adulteration unless dangerous conditions or contaminants are involved. Not being certified organic isn’t itself adulteration, though organic status could be compromised by contamination.