Which statement best describes the difference between adulteration and misbranding in U.S. food law?

• A. Adulteration concerns product safety, while misbranding concerns labeling.
• B. Adulteration concerns labeling, while misbranding concerns safety.
• C. Both adulteration and misbranding concern only labeling.
• D. Adulteration concerns only pricing accuracy.

Answer: (A)

Adulteration in U.S. food law focuses on the safety and integrity of the product itself. A food is adulterated if it is contaminated, decomposed, or made under unsanitary conditions, or if it contains unsafe or harmful substances that render it injurious to health.

Misbranding, on the other hand, concerns the labeling and claims shown on the product. It covers false or misleading labels, missing required information (like ingredients, net quantity, or allergen declarations), or any statement that could mislead a consumer about what the product is or contains.

So the best description is that adulteration deals with safety of the product, while misbranding deals with labeling. The other options mix labeling with safety or bring in pricing, which aren’t the correct focus of these two provisions.