Section 17A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 deals with Adulterated Drugs.
Bare Text
17A. Adulterated drugs.— For the purposes of this Chapter, a drug shall be deemed to be adulterated,— (a) if it consists in whole or in part, of any filthy, putrid or decomposed substance; or (b) if it has been prepared, packed or stored under insanitary conditions whereby it may have been contaminated with filth or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health; or (c) if its container is composed, in whole or in part, of any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents injurious to health; or (d) if it bears or contains, for purposes of colouring only, a colour other than one which is prescribed; or (e) if it contains any harmful or toxic substance which may render it injurious to health; or (f) if any substance has been mixed therewith so as to reduce its quality or strength.
Simple Meaning
Section 17A states when a drug is deemed to be adulterated. It covers filthy, putrid or decomposed substances, insanitary preparation, packing or storage, injurious containers, prohibited colouring, harmful or toxic substances and mixing of any substance that reduces quality or strength.
Compliance Relevance
This provision is important for manufacturing hygiene, storage conditions, container safety, quality assurance and supply-chain control. It is relevant where a sample failure involves contamination, harmful substances, insanitary conditions or reduced quality or strength. It should be read with Sections 16, 18, 25 and 27.
Related Provisions
Section 16, Section 17, Section 17B, Section 18, Section 25, Section 27
Official Source
Verified from the official India Code PDF of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Readers should re-check the latest official text before professional reliance.