Adulteration refers to mixing inferior or harmful substances into food and drink intended for sale, making the products impure and unfit for human consumption. The FDA prohibits adulterated foods, drugs, and cosmetics from being transported between states. Common food adulterants include metanil yellow, kesari dal, and argemone seeds which are added to foods like turmeric, pulses, and mustard to enhance color but can be carcinogenic if consumed long-term. Adulteration can be detected through visual examination, smell tests, chemical reactions, and examining residues left on blotting paper.