Regulations to be tightened against edible oil adulteration

As many as 50 samples of more than 15 types of edible oils, including mustard oil, coconut oil, palm oil and blended oils, were collected from various parts of Chennai to check their quality. At least five samples were collected from each district for the survey.

Health experts say that adulterated food can lead to cardiac issues, allergies, liver diseases and several types of cancer. Officials from Food Safety Department say that raids across the State revealed adulteration of sesame oil, cottonseed oil and mustard oil with palm oil.

Last year, a survey conducted by Consumer Voice, a consumer rights organisation, on the quality and safety parameters of oil sold in several states, including Tamil Nadu, revealed that coconut oil was about 85 per cent adulterated, while mustard oil, sesame oil and cottonseed oil had more than 70 per cent adulteration. The present survey by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is aimed at intensifying regulations on edible oils, said officials.

B Madhusoothanan, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Department, said the survey has been completed at authorised laboratories in the State and final results would be shared by FSSAI. “Further regulations on adulteration of edible oils in the State will be based on these results,” he added. Senior officials from the department said that further inspections and research on the quality and safety standards of the edible oils would be done if the samples showed adulteration.