Fadnavis directs FDA to frame SOPs to curb edible oil adulteration

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state FDA will frame SOPs to curb edible oil adulteration while protecting traditional oil traders and small retailers. He called for a balanced approach to food safety and livelihoods and announced a joint Maharashtra-Haryana committee for the Panipat memorial

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be asked to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent adulteration in edible oil without crippling the business of traditional oil traders and small retailers.
Speaking about the issue during a meeting of the state Cabinet, Fadnavis stressed that the state government is seeking a “middle path” to balance strict quality enforcement and the livelihoods of traditional oil vendors and small consumers.

Last week, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe urged consumers not to buy loose or unsealed edible oil, calling it unsafe, and said a compliance order has been issued for the sector due to violations, including adulteration.

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The chief minister said, “Strict quality needs to be maintained. But at the same time, traditional businesses also need to be protected.” “We will find a middle path and prepare SOPs so that there is no adulteration in oil and traditional businesses do not have to be shut down,” he said. He said the FDA would be directed to draft SOPs to strike a balance between food safety requirements and traders’ concerns.

Fadnavis also spoke about the proposed Panipat memorial commemorating Maratha valour, stating that Maharashtra and Haryana would constitute a joint committee for the project.
The Maharashtra government had already acquired land for the memorial and would provide inputs for its design and development, he added.