New Delhi: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe has again cracked down on food safety. Maharashtra FDA has issued a directions to impose immediate ban on selling loose/packed edible oil in the state. The department has also cautioned that if serious violations are committed, the authorities may prosecution and imprisonment for up to seven years.
The decision follows a series of findings by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during its inspections of the edible oil supply chain; these included problems with mixing of oils, contamination and unauthorisation, and defective packaging and lack of proper licences. Some were found to use less expensive oils to blend with the oil listed on the label, an action the FDA said was also being made by some sellers.
Why has Maharashtra banned loose edible oil?
If the oil is loose, it can be hard to track the oil and it may not provide valuable information like the batch number, where the oil’s from or correct expiry date, Tukaram Mundhe said. Oil is also a concern for the FDA when it is stored in containers that are not safe or re-used.
The new order is applicable to retail outlets, but even extends throughout the supply chain from manufacturers, oil processing units, packagers, distributors, supermarkets to online sellers.
Also, the FDA has made a warning about the mixing of mustard oil with other oils without the approval of the authorities. Mustard oil which is sold as pure mustard oil is required to be pure, i.e. must be 100% mustard oil with no unauthorised blending.
Strict action against violators
The FDA has stated that enforcement will be strictly taken against food safety rule violations, up to seven years in prison in certain cases. The false advertisement can also lead to fines of up to ₹10 lakh.
The department has expressed other concerns related to the use of containers that were previously used to store chemicals, lubricants or other non-food items. These practices can raise the possibility of contaminating.
Mundhe has also appealed the consumers to refrain from purchasing loose edible oil and opt for a properly sealed and labeled one instead. Before purchasing, consumers should take a look at the batch number, the packaging date and “Best Before” date.
The move is directed towards curbing adulteration, and making the edible oil market safer for consumers, the Maharashtra FDA said in the statement. The order is to be binding immediately and trading or working establishments are now more closely monitored around the state.
