Mumbai, August 21: Maharashtra has implemented a ban on the open sale of edible oils. From now on, oils must be sold in sealed packets that contain complete information for consumers.
Strict penalties have been established for those who violate these regulations. Offenders may face fines of up to ₹10 lakh and even life imprisonment. Tukaram Mundhe, the state’s Food Safety Commissioner, announced these measures during a press conference.
The comprehensive order aims to enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 across the state, specifically targeting the edible oil and fat sectors. This 14-point directive is effective immediately and applies not only to retailers but also to oil extraction units and online vendors throughout the supply chain.
Recent inspections by the Food and Drug Administration revealed significant and ongoing non-compliance issues within the edible oil supply chain. Violations included operating without valid licenses, misclassifying business types, adulteration of oils, selling substandard oils with excessive acid values and industrial trans fats, unauthorized blending of mustard oil, relabeling to conceal the original source and date, repackaging near-expiry oils, and using non-food-grade packaging.
In response to these complaints, the order aims to create a uniform and clear framework for compliance across the state. It primarily targets oil extraction units, solvent extraction facilities, and oil refiners.
Mundhe also shared data from the previous year, stating that out of 1,247 edible oil samples taken, 1,142 met standards, while 77 were substandard, 13 were unsafe, and 15 were misbranded. The total stock amounted to 320,781 kilograms, valued at ₹5.31 crore.
He emphasized that this data reflects last year’s findings, and actions have been intensified accordingly. This compliance order is a crucial step towards ensuring that consumers receive safe edible oils—free from misbranding, unsafe practices, and substandard quality. Enforcement of these regulations is essential.
Mundhe reiterated that strict actions are in place for those found violating these rules, with penalties including fines of up to ₹10 lakh and potential life sentences.
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