The Food Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has intensified control over the quality and sale of edible oil, issuing new regulations for all market participants, from production to retail.
Tukaram Mundhe, the chief official of the Maharashtra FDA, stated that any instances of negligence concerning public health will not be tolerated. Numerous violations were found during inspections, including oil counterfeiting, operating without a license, and selling old oil as new, which will result in strict action.
Furthermore, Mundhe commented on notifications sent to Bollywood actors regarding the imitation of 'Vimal Elaichi' advertisements, noting that responses from the recipients of these notifications have not yet been received.
FDA inspections uncovered various violations, such as conducting business without proper licensing, operating under an incorrect category license, mixing cheaper oils of different types with the declared oil, and selling oil that does not meet established standards.
Cases of unauthorized addition of other oils to sunflower oil, re-labeling to conceal the true source and packaging date, and repacking of oil nearing its expiration date were also recorded. The department also expressed dissatisfaction with the use of packaging materials intended for non-food purposes for edible oil.
The FDA prohibited the reuse of containers that previously held mineral oil, lubricants, paints, or other chemicals. According to officials, such containers can lead to the contamination of edible oil with metals or chemical substances. Storing edible oil in rusty, damaged, or improperly galvanized containers is also considered a violation of the rules. Single-use food cans can no longer be used as food packaging.
Official Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that many hotels and other establishments attempt to reuse used oil and then sell it as new. He promised to take action against such schemes. Harmful components can accumulate in repeatedly heated oil. According to the directive, oil whose total polar compound (TPC) content exceeds 25 percent cannot be reused. Meanwhile, the TPC content in new oil must not exceed 15 percent. Used oil must be handed over to authorized collectors RUCO and under no circumstances should it re-enter the food chain.
Measures will be taken against violations in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act. For unsafe food products, a fine of up to 10 lakh and imprisonment are stipulated. For low-quality oil, a fine of up to 5 lakh may be imposed; for oil with incorrect labeling, up to 3 lakh; and for storing additives, a fine of up to 10 lakh. A fine of up to 10 lakh is also threatened for operating without a license and for misleading consumers through advertising. In serious cases, the license may be suspended or revoked.
Tukaram Mundhe also stated that claims made by edible oil manufacturing companies regarding vitamins and natural nutrients will be scrutinized. If such claims are deemed a violation of advertising laws, the respective companies will be held accountable.
The FDA urged the public not to purchase edible oil sold in open markets. The department strongly recommends purchasing only hermetically sealed oil and carefully checking the label, batch number, packaging date, and expiration date.
