Maharashtra cabinet approved a proposal to make food adulteration offences punishable by awarding life imprisonment, considering its adverse impact on public health. The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Mumbai and the proposal would be sent to the governor and the Central Government for issuing a notification. An official from the CMO said that the government would amend Indian Penal Code sections 272, 273, 274, 275 and 276 to include life imprisonment for adulteration. Concerned about the impact on public health due to adulteration in food items, medicines and soft drinks, Maharashtra government has increased the quantum of punishment.