What defines an adulterated product in FSIS terms?

• A. A product past its expiration date
• B. A product that contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health
• C. A product with unlabeled ingredients
• D. A product produced in non-sterile facility

Answer: (B)

In FSIS terms, adulteration focuses on safety risk from substances. A product is adulterated if it contains any poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it injurious to health. This exact standard targets the presence of harmful substances as the defining issue, not merely issues like expiration dates, labeling, or production conditions. Expired items or unlabeled ingredients raise other concerns (safety, compliance, or misbranding), and production in a non-sterile facility can create contamination risks, but the formal adulteration definition centers on the existence of a poisonous or deleterious substance that could harm health.