Mumbai, Aug 20 Turning his focus toward edible cooking oils, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said on Thursday that action will now be taken against those selling loose (unpackaged) cooking oil, explaining the FDA regulations regarding them.

This is a part of his statewide drive and strict action against food adulteration.

At the press conference, Mundhe added that the initiative is part of the “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” campaign.

“We are issuing several compliance orders under ‘Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra’. Earlier, compliance orders were issued for hotels, restaurants, and milk products, as well as schools across the state, and their implementation is underway. The next phase under this initiative focuses on cooking oil, and the corresponding compliance orders are being issued starting today,” the Maharashtra FDA Commissioner said.

He also noted that cooking oil is a staple in every household and is required for daily food preparation.

Under the Food Safety and Standards laws of 2011, having proper licenses or registration, along with adhering to statutory standards for packaging and selling, is mandatory for all edible oil production and distribution.

Severe issues and shortcomings regarding edible oil have come to light recently.

Inspections across packaging, labeling, and brand manufacturing establishments revealed around 8 to 10 key violations and defects.

Mundhe warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found selling loose cooking oil in the market going forward.

Cases of adulteration and unauthorised blending — such as mixing other oils into mustard oil — were also uncovered.

“Pure mustard oil can be sold as such, but blended or unauthorised mixtures containing mustard oil are strictly prohibited,” the Maharashtra FDA Chief said.

Mundhe told that heavy penalties await those involved in selling loose or adulterated cooking oil.

Anyone caught adulterating oil or violating these standards will face a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to three years, he said.

Recent inspections also uncovered instances of oil being sold without packaging dates or source labels, expired oil being repackaged for sale, and oil stored in rusted tins.

Mundhe warned that strict legal action will be initiated immediately if such violations are detected anywhere in the state.