Maharashtra FDA To Crack Down On Edible Oil Violations; Repeated Oil Reuse May Invite Strict Action

Mumbai: Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Munde announced that the department will intensify its focus on edible oil violations as part of its statewide 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign. Munde stated that the FDA will enforce strict actions against any violations throughout the edible oil supply chain, which includes production, packaging, distribution, and use.

Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and establishments that repeatedly reuse cooking oil could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. During a press conference, Munde expressed concerns over violations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations for the manufacture, sale, and use of edible oil.

The FDA collected 1,247 edible oil samples last year, of which 1,142 met the prescribed standards, 77 were sub-standard, 13 were unsafe, and 15 were misbranded. The total stock of edible oil was 3,20,781 kg, valued at approximately Rs 5.31 crore. The FDA seized 3,20,781 kg of stock during the previous year.

Munde emphasized the importance of compliance orders in ensuring the availability of safe edible oil without any misbranded, unsafe, or sub-standard products. He also warned about the absence of clear information on loose edible oil and related products, which can complicate tracing and action in case of food poisoning incidents.

The FDA's orders will apply to the entire supply chain, and manufacturers will be required to hold the necessary licenses prescribed under applicable regulations.