Stringent action will be taken against those who adulterate cooking oil, said the Collector Rohini.R. In a statement in this regard today, the Collector has said that gingili, palm and ground nut oils that are manufactured or sold in Salem must be pure and safe for consumption. Violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 will be monitored and penalized.

Cooking oils must be sold only in packets on which must be displayed the name of the oil, details of manufacturer including the address, manufacturing and expiry dates. They should bear IS mark. Oils packed in 15 liter containers must not be opened and sold in loose quantities.

In case of selling mixed oil, it must be mixed in the approved standard ratio 20/80. The mixed oil must bear Agmark. They should be sold with identity of edible vegetable oil and not as ground nut, gingili or coconut oil. Pooja oils are not meant for cooking and hence should not be sold for edible purposes.

Consumers may lodge complaints regarding defective cooking oils to the Food Safety Department’s whatsApp number-9444042322, the Collector has informed.

(CENTRE FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA)