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

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers against purchasing loose or unsealed edible oil due to concerns over adulteration, unsafe packaging, improper storage, and transportation. This directive, issued by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, is part of a comprehensive statewide enforcement campaign aimed at addressing lapses in food safety and hygiene.

The FDA collected 1,247 samples of edible oil during the financial year 2025-26, analyzed 1,142 of them, and found 77 substandard samples and 15 cases of misbranding.

Unsealed oil lacks a batch number, source information, and proper traceability, making it difficult for authorities to take appropriate action. When buying packaged oil, consumers should verify the label, manufacturing and expiry dates, and ensure the package is properly sealed. Avoid oil stored in old or reused packaging, according to the FDA.

FDA officials collected 1,247 edible oil samples in FY 2025-26, analyzed 1,142, and identified 77 substandard samples and 15 cases of misbranding. Edible oil should not be transported in tanks previously used for non-edible or hazardous materials. Proper storage and transportation require protection from direct sunlight and strong odors.

According to Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, signs that may indicate poor quality or adulteration include an unusual smell, color, or taste; excessive foaming or rapid smoking; and smoking quickly upon heating. However, only laboratory testing can confirm adulteration.

The FDA's order applies to oils like groundnut, mustard, sunflower, rice bran, palm, coconut, and maize, given their widespread consumption. Consuming adulterated oil may lead to digestive discomfort such as nausea, stomach pain, acidity, or loose stools, and repeated consumption can increase the intake of unhealthy fats and oxidized compounds in the diet.

Mundhe also warned that repeatedly heating and reusing edible oil can generate aldehydes and trans-fatty acids, which may have negative health impacts, including liver and kidney damage, and potentially link to cancer. Raj agrees, emphasizing that excessive reheating and reuse, especially for deep-frying, cause the oil to break down and form oxidation products.

These products can make fried foods harder to digest and contribute to bloating, acidity, or stomach discomfort. Raj advises using fresh oil in moderation, avoiding repeated reheating, storing oil in a cool, dark place, and selecting properly sealed and labeled oils from trusted sources.