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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has prohibited the sale of loose edible oil across the entire state, an initiative launched as part of its ongoing rigorous campaign against food adulteration. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced the new directive during a press conference on Thursday, August 20, stating that severe action would be taken against businesses and sellers found to be in violation of food safety regulations. This order falls under the FDA's broader 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign.
Commissioner Mundhe highlighted that the edible oil sector is the latest focus of the campaign, following recent compliance orders issued to hotels, restaurants, dairy product manufacturers, and food providers in schools. He emphasized that all entities involved in the production, packaging, or sale of edible oil must possess a valid licence or registration and strictly adhere to the food safety rules.
Recent inspections conducted by the FDA revealed numerous deficiencies across the edible oil supply chain. These issues included businesses operating without the necessary licences, as well as failures to clearly state essential details such as the oil's source and manufacturing date on product labels. Furthermore, officials uncovered instances of allegedly expired oil being repackaged and resold, alongside improper storage practices involving rusted, used, or otherwise unsuitable containers.
The FDA also identified cases of adulteration, specifically unauthorized mixing of mustard oil. Mundhe clarified that while pure mustard oil can be sold, it is strictly forbidden to mix it with other oils and then market it as 'mustard oil'. Other critical findings included the use of unsafe plastic packaging and the improper transportation of edible oil in tankers.
Retailers have been specifically warned by Commissioner Mundhe against purchasing oil supplied in unsealed or tampered containers. Businesses found selling loose edible oil or engaged in adulteration activities face stringent penalties, including fines of up to Rs 10 lakh and potential imprisonment for three years for those convicted of oil adulteration. Mundhe affirmed that inspections will continue vigorously across Maharashtra, with enforcement actions targeting non-compliant manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Source: Lokmat Times