Key Development 

The Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) has urged the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take immediate action against a viral video that spreads false information about refined edible oils. In an official letter to the authorities, SEA objected to a video posted by the Instagram account @satvicmovement. The video labels refined oils as “chemical-laden” and “toxic.” SEA state that the claims lack a scientific basis and could mislead the public. “The video has gone viral, sowing confusion and mistrust among consumers about refined oils, which make up most of India’s edible oil consumption,” the association stated.

Viral Misinformation Threatens Consumer Confidence and Farming

SEA warned that such misinformation could erode consumer trust, hurt the livelihoods of oilseed farmers, and undermine the food safety ecosystem in India. It stressed the need to counter these narratives with science-backed facts and regulatory clarity. To address the situation, SEA released a detailed note explaining how refined oils are produced, regulated, and tested for safety. The association defended the refining process as both necessary and safe, carried out under stringent FSSAI norms and global Codex Alimentarius standards.

SEA Clarifies Safety of Food-Grade Hexane

SEA addressed specific concerns about the use of food-grade hexane in oil extraction. It explained that hexane is a safe and approved solvent used globally and is fully removed during processing. Final oil products consistently meet the FSSAI’s strict limit of 5 parts per million (ppm)—a level well within globally accepted safety thresholds. The association emphasized that refining is essential to remove natural impurities and ensure edible oils are safe, stable, and have a longer shelf life. It added that processes such as deodorisation strictly follow FSSAI regulations.

Industry Body Warns of Broader Economic Risks

SEA expressed concern that alarmist content could damage the reputation of a heavily regulated industry. “Such misleading claims don’t just confuse consumers—they risk reducing demand, discouraging oilseed cultivation, and damaging trust in the edible oil sector,” it warned. SEA urged regulators to act quickly to curb the spread of misinformation and protect both public interest and the integrity of India’s food safety framework.

Source: The Economic Times