Key Development

Traders and small-scale mill owners in Kuttyadi, Kozhikode, have alleged that fake coconut oil is widely available in local markets and that authorities have not taken strong action. They claim a Tamil Nadu-based lobby supplies adulterated oil to Kerala. According to them, wholesalers in Tamil Nadu route the product through agents operating in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Vadakara, who then distribute it to retail shops.

Pricing Pattern Raises Serious Doubts

Copra currently costs around ₹220 per kg. However, suspected fake coconut oil is being sold at ₹200–260 per litre. Mill owners point out that one kilogram of copra yields only about 650 grams of coconut oil. Based on this extraction rate, selling pure coconut oil below the price of copra is economically unviable. They allege that manufacturers mix paraffin with the oil to reduce costs and increase margins.

The product is sold in attractive packets under various brand names and marketed as “special offers.” In contrast, coconut oil produced in local mills costs ₹320–340 per litre. Consumers who purchase cheaper options in search of savings often end up being misled.

Small Mills and Farmers Under Pressure

The widespread sale of suspected fake oil has severely affected small-scale mills, pushing many towards closure. Farmers currently receive ₹64 per kg for raw coconut and ₹28,000 per quintal for ball copra. Traders warn that the continued influx of adulterated oil could also reduce coconut prices, directly impacting farmers’ income.

Demand for Stronger Enforcement

Earlier, the health department had intensified inspections and banned certain brands to curb fake coconut oil sales. Traders now allege that enforcement has weakened, allowing the same groups to reintroduce adulterated oil under new brand names. With the festival and wedding season approaching — when demand for coconut oil increases — traders and mill owners have urged the health department to strengthen inspections and take strict action to protect consumers and genuine producers.

Source: Manorama Online