Maharashtra FDA urges consumers to avoid buying unsealed edible oil: ‘Difficult to take action’

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to refrain from purchasing loose or unsealed edible oil due to concerns over potential adulteration, improper packaging, and inadequate storage and transportation. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe explained that this directive aligns with a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at addressing food safety and hygiene issues.

Unsealed oil lacks essential information such as batch numbers and source details, making it difficult to trace and enforce safety measures. The FDA collected 1,247 edible oil samples in the financial year 2025-26 and analyzed 1,142, identifying 77 substandard samples and 15 cases of misbranding.

Mundhe emphasized that loose or unsealed oil should be avoided entirely. When buying packaged oil, consumers should inspect the label, manufacturing and expiry dates, and ensure the package is properly sealed. He cautioned against purchasing oil in old or reused packaging. Inspections revealed that tankers carrying non-edible oils or hazardous materials must not be used for transporting edible oil. Furthermore, edible oil must be shielded from direct sunlight and strong odors during both storage and transportation.

Edwina Raj, Head of Services at Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, corroborated the FDA's warnings and outlined five signs that suggest oil may be adulterated: an unusual smell, altered color, unpleasant taste, excessive foaming, or quick smoking upon heating. While these signs can raise suspicion, only proper testing can confirm adulteration.

Raj listed several risks associated with consuming adulterated oil, including digestive discomfort such as nausea, stomach pain, acidity, or loose stools. Repeated consumption of poor-quality oil may contribute to an accumulation of unhealthy fats and oxidized compounds in the diet.

Mundhe reiterated that frequent heating and reuse of edible oil can produce aldehydes and trans-fatty acids, which pose significant health risks, including liver and kidney damage, and potential links to cancer. Edwina Raj agreed, cautioning against repeatedly reheating and reusing oil, especially for deep frying, as this process breaks down the oil, leading to the formation of oxidation products that make fried foods harder to digest and may cause bloating, acidity, or stomach discomfort.

She advised using fresh oil in moderation, refraining from repeated reheating, storing oil in a cool, dark place, and selecting properly sealed and labeled oils from reputable sources.