Question

Which of the following disease is caused by the consumption of adulterated food?
A. Typhoid
B. Dropsy
C. Botulism
D. Tetanus

Answer 1

Hint: Adulterant is any kind of foreign substances added to food, drugs or cosmetics. Adulterants are added to food materials to improve the bulk quantity as a substituent to its normal constituents. Some materials thus added may be harmful and cause various effects in humans once consumed.

Complete step by step answer: Dropsy is another term used to define oedema, which is the accumulation of fluid or water under the skin and in various cavities of the body. It is an abnormal phenomenon. One cause of this condition is due to the toxicity caused as a result of the intake of edible oil which is adulterated by the oil produced from the seeds of Argemone mexicana. This condition is caused as an immune reaction by the body to the ingested toxic adulterant. Oedema causes heart failure, kidney disease, etc.
i. Typhoid is an infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It spreads through food and water contaminated by the organism. This disease causes symptoms such as loose stools, malnourishment and weight loss.
ii. Botulism is a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a toxin-induced fatal illness. It can cause weakness, blurred vision, and tired feeling. It is also transmitted through contaminated food.
iii. Tetanus is also a bacterial disease, caused by the toxin secreted by the bacteria. It affects the nervous system leading to muscle contractions which are very painful. It can be spread through the environment. The disease can be prevented with vaccines.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Adulteration in food can cause various other harmful effects too. The most important disorder caused is cancer. Adulterant use was first investigated in 1820 by the German chemist Frederick Accum, who identified many toxic metal colourings in food and drinks.