FDA Bans Loose Edible Oil Sales Across Maharashtra

FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe orders strict action against adulteration, unsafe packaging and repeated use of cooking oil

Action Taken by FDA: The Food and Drug Administration in Maharashtra has tightened its stand with regard to the sales of loose edible oil within the state. The instructions were issued by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on August 20, saying that the safety of food should never come under question as edible oil plays an important part in maintaining good health.This order will be applicable for all parts of the Edible Oil and Fat Sector, from production to sales. All the violations related to adulteration, wrong labeling, bad quality packing, and the recycling of used cooking oil will be dealt with through these instructions.

Sales of Loose Edible Oils Subjected to Stringent Rules

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Loose Edible Oils: While sale of loose edible oil has been subjected to restrictions as per the rules regarding food safety, still such products can be seen in the market. Tukaram Mundhe has urged traders and sellers not to sell loose edible oils.Moreover, the FDA has made it clear that mustard oil must be sold as pure mustard oil without any blending. Consumers have been instructed to buy edible oils in sealed bottles only.Companies that were selling their products without proper registration, and those where there had been allegations of adulteration in the edible oils, have been identified by the department.

Adulteration of Oil Among Various Woes

Oil Adulteration: The FDA officials from Maharashtra were seen to have raised various issues regarding the adulteration of oil. Some of the issues included working without a valid license, working under a wrong license, mixing cheaper oil without declaring and selling products which do not conform to the required quality standards.The other issues were found to be related to the mixing of mustard oil without any authorization, changing the labeling of the products in order to conceal the place and date of production and repacking of the oil which was near its expiry.The new directions are intended to create a uniform enforcement process in Maharashtra.

Unsatisfactory Food Packets Under FDA Scrutiny Too

Food Packaging: Tukaram Mundhe, head of the FDA, also mentioned the problem with the use of packets which contained mineral oil, lubricants, paints, or chemicals in the past.It has cautioned not to use damaged or rusty packets for storing edible oil. It has discouraged the reusing of some single-use food packets as poor packaging may contaminate food packets.This aspect is not restricted to just retailers; even manufacturers, distributors, processors, and e-retailers are supposed to meet the new criteria.

Repeated Reheating of Oil Can Pose Health Hazards

Cooking Oil: The other important issue that is pointed out by the FDA is the problem related to the reheating and use of used cooking oil.As per the information released by the FDA Chief, reheating oil will enhance the amount of Total Polar Compounds (TPC), trans-fatty acids, aldehydes, and others. Consuming such unhealthy cooking oil can pose certain health hazards.

Mundhe stated that the cooking oil having more than 25% of TPC should not be consumed. On the other hand, fresh cooking oil should have the required TPC content. The used cooking oil must be sent to authorized agencies for RUCO collection. It must not be used again in cooking beyond a permissible level.

Severe Punishments for Violation of Food Safety Laws

Food Safety Laws: The Maharashtra FDA has issued an alert that violating the rules can invite monetary punishments, jail and regulation action according to the type and severity of the violation.Punishments under the rules as per the provisions of the department include imprisonment and fine of up to ₹10 lakhs for selling contaminated foods. The violation of rules regarding selling low-quality oil can invite a punishment of up to ₹5 lakhs, whereas wrong labelling can invite a fine of up to ₹3 lakhs.

Having adulterating materials can invite punishments up to ₹10 lakhs. Non-possession of licence and publication of misleading advertisements also invites a punishment up to ₹10 lakhs.Where companies are concerned, the directors, partners and managers responsible for violation are also held liable. Improvement notices or licence suspension and cancellation may also be issued by the authorities.

FDA Gives Directions to Field Officers

FDA Inspection: The field officers have been told to make sure that the order is effectively implemented. The authorities will concentrate on the cases of adulteration, food not fit for consumption, contamination, and poor edible oil. In the process of carrying out the investigation, it has been further told that the officers should present the facts and evidence related to the case.

Consumers Should Inspect Oil Packaging Labels

Consumer Safety: According to the FDA, consumers are recommended to stop purchasing loose edible oil and opt for packaged oil. Consumers are supposed to inspect the product label, batch number, packaging date, and Best Before date when purchasing edible oil. Consumers are also not supposed to purchase oil packaged in old, rusted, and recycled bottles.

Consumers have been instructed by the FDA to always ask for purchase receipts or tax invoices. In case of blended edible oil, consumers should inspect the ingredients and percentage as well as any quality assurance certificate such as AGMARK mark.

It has been recommended that consumers should not believe exaggerated claims such as "super refined" and "double refined." The recent FDA action in Maharashtra is meant to increase food safety, prevent adulteration, and ensure edible oil sold to consumers meets prescribed standards.