We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
Maharashtra Tightens Edible Oil Rules to Curb Adulteration and Safety Risks
Maharashtra has tightened oversight of the edible oil trade, introducing a wide-ranging compliance framework covering manufacturers, distributors, transporters and retailers. The measures are aimed at improving traceability, strengthening quality checks and closing gaps that can allow adulterated or poorly handled oil to reach consumers. Under the new requirements, every business dealing in edible oil must hold the appropriate FSSAI licence or registration and display it at its premises. Manufacturers must maintain an in-house laboratory for testing samples, while outside laboratories may be used only as an additional testing facility.
The sale of loose or unsealed edible oil has been prohibited. Products must reach consumers in sealed, tamper-proof and properly labelled packs. Retailers are expected to reject consignments with damaged or compromised packaging and provide supplier information to food safety officials where necessary. Responsibility for violations during bulk dispatches can also extend to the producer or distributor. The rules impose additional conditions on blended oils. Multi-source edible vegetable oil must carry AGMARK certification, be sold in sealed packs of up to 15 kg and clearly disclose the oils used and their respective proportions. Mustard oil is barred from such blends and must be marketed in its pure form.
Particular attention has been given to adulteration risks involving argemone oil, mineral oil, castor oil and tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate, all of which are prohibited in edible oil. Limits have also been prescribed for trans fats, acid value, heavy metals, aflatoxins, residual solvents and other contaminants. Seasonal inspections for argemone contamination in mustard oil are set to receive greater emphasis, particularly around the monsoon period. Such contamination has been linked to epidemic dropsy, making preventive checks important for public health.
Packaging is another major focus. Materials coming into direct contact with oil must be food-grade and backed by conformity certification. Restrictions have been placed on plastic migration, packaging materials and the reuse of tin containers. Recycled PET can be used only when sourced through authorised recyclers, while newspapers cannot be used to wrap oily foods. Storage and transportation rules require protection from sunlight, heat and hazardous substances. Businesses must follow the first-in, first-out system, while tankers previously used for mineral oil, hazardous materials or inedible products cannot carry edible oil. The broader approach shifts responsibility beyond the retail counter, making safety and traceability a supply-chain obligation from production to the final sale.
