Key Update

In Hyderabad, the Food Adulteration Surveillance Team intensifies efforts against food adulteration by focusing on awareness and compliance. The team conducts a meeting with oil manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders to align industry practices with safety standards. Vaibhav Raghunath, DCP, Commissioner’s Task Force and in charge of H-FAST, stresses strict adherence to food safety laws in the production and sale of edible oils. He directs all stakeholders not to sell unbranded or loose oil under any circumstances, citing serious health risks and legal violations.

Mandatory packaging and labelling

Officials reiterate that only properly packaged and sealed edible oils can be sold. They highlight the need to comply with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India guidelines, including clear labelling with manufacturing date, expiry date, batch number, FSSAI licence number, and oil grade. Authorities emphasise hygienic practices across processing, storage, and transportation. They also instruct stakeholders to avoid any adulteration or mixing with inferior, recycled, or harmful substances.

Legal Action and Deadline

Officials warn of strict penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for violations. They grant a 15-day grace period for compliance, after which enforcement action will begin. Authorities advise consumers to buy only branded, sealed edible oil from authorised sellers and report any suspected illegal sales.

Source: The Hans India