Statement–Argument — Should adulteration in foodstuff be treated as a serious crime? Arguments: I) Yes; adulteration harms health and can even cause death. II) No; substances mixed with food are not really poisonous. Identify the strong argument(s).

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: if only Argument I is strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Food adulteration is a public-health and consumer-protection issue. Strong arguments should invoke health risk, safety standards, and deterrence, not unfounded claims about harmlessness.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Adulteration introduces non-standard, unsafe, or fraudulent substances into food.
  • Public-health frameworks treat contamination risk as serious due to morbidity/mortality potential.
  • Legal policy weighs prevention and deterrence heavily when risks are systemic.


Concept / Approach:
Argument I directly ties the policy (treat as serious crime) to the harm principle (health/dying risk). This is relevant and sufficient. Argument II asserts blanket non-poisonousness, which is factually questionable and ignores dose-dependent toxicity or chronic effects.


Step-by-Step Solution:

I: Strong—connects to core objective (protect life/health) and supports criminalization as deterrence.II: Weak—an over-general denial; many adulterants (e.g., industrial dyes, contaminants) are harmful.


Verification / Alternative check:
A strong “No” would need evidence that existing civil penalties suffice or that criminalization causes net harms; II provides neither.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Either” implies II is strong; it is not. “Neither” fails because I is strong. “Only II” contradicts risk reality.


Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring chronic toxicity, contamination chains, and consumer deception.


Final Answer:
if only Argument I is strong.

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