TCA 39-17-107
Adulteration of food, liquids, or pharmaceuticals
FELONY CClass C Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to intentionally add poison, objects, liquids, powders, or harmful substances to food, beverages, or medications with the intent to cause injury, serious injury, or death to someone who uses them. If the intent is to cause ordinary bodily injury, it's a Class C felony (3-15 years and/or $10,000 fine); if the intent is to cause serious bodily injury or death, it's a Class B felony (8-30 years and/or $25,000 fine).
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass C Felony
Maximum Jail3-15 years
Maximum Fine$10,000
Penalty SummaryClass C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000
Enhancement NotesMultiple classifications: Class B felony, Class C felony
(a) It is an offense for a person to adulterate any food product or liquid that is manufactured, marketed, grown, or produced for human consumption or any pharmaceutical product that is designed, marketed, or prescribed for the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or medical condition by placing in, mixing with, or adding to the product or liquid, any object, liquid, powder or other substance with the intent to cause bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death to a user of the product or liquid. (A) A substantial risk of death. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106(b) (1) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause bodily injury is a Class C felony. (2) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause serious bodily injury or death is a Class B felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
FELONY C
TCA Section39-17-107
Max Jail3-15 years
Max Fine$10,000