Adulterated

What does Adulterated mean in American Law?

The definition of Adulterated in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

Something is “adulterated” (“debased” is a rough equivalent) when something else is added to it which makes it less pure, wholesome, or valuable. It is not necessary (though it may be sufficient) that the added substance be itself harmful (e.g., packed ham into which water has been pumped may be found “adulterated”), or even that it be itself less costly (e.g., mercury may be more valuable than the fish into which it finds its way), so long as the resulting product is not all and only what it is

presented to be. But usually adulteration will result in a product either cheaper and less good (or affirmatively bad) for you than one to which no additional material was added. In some cases, e.g., “adulterated butter” or “adulterated drug,” much more particular descriptions of what renders the product “adulterated” are supplied by statute.