The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a type of barcode that is widely used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and in other countries for tracking trade items in stores.

Option 1 and Option 2 are incorrect as the UPC has nothing to do with fire safety codes or earthquake-resistant building codes. These are safety standards associated with construction and have no relation to product tracking or identification.

Option 4 is also incorrect. Although the UPC can aid in tracing products if there is a concern about contamination or adulteration, it is not specifically adopted against adulteration in eatables.

Option 3 is the correct answer. UPCs are mainly used to encode a product number along with the manufacturer`s identification number, allowing fast and effortless scanning at the retail point-of-sale and efficient inventory management. This code consists of a barcode symbol and a 12-digit number beneath it. It standardizes the identification method for each item in a storefront that simplifies the checkout process, pricing, and inventory control.