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Following complaints about the unchecked sale of sub-standard edible oil, the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration officials conducted surprise raids on shops selling edible oil and collected samples for laboratory testing. Dr. S.L. Ravindra, Designated Officer of the Department, said the raids were carried out on the instructions of the Food and Consumer Affairs Department.
Samples of various oil brands have been sent to the Regional Food Laboratory in the city for testing, and the reports are awaited. Labels from different manufacturers have also been collected to verify compliance with ISI standards. The drive stems from the fact that edible oil is a daily essential in every household, used for preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, sweets, and other refreshments. Of late, numerous complaints have surfaced about poor-quality oil being sold in the market.
Vendors are allegedly pushing sub-standard oils as an alternative to reputed brands, which are priced between Rs. 130 and Rs. 170 per litre. Thus, they are luring regular customers with cheaper, lesser-known brands.
A key factor that determines the quality of edible oil is fortification — the addition of essential vitamins A and E, which help boost immunity, maintain healthy blood vessels, and promote overall good health.
Fortified with vitamins
Much like iodine is vital in salt, fortification is mandatory for edible oil. However, concerns have been raised about inadequate fortification levels in some oils available in the market.
In response, the Government has made it mandatory for edible oils to be fortified with vitamins A and E. Substandard oils often contain minimal fortification and may lack other essential standardised raw materials, posing a serious health risk to consumers. This illicit trade has continued to thrive in recent years.
Experts have also raised concerns about the reuse of oil in preparing snacks such as vade, bonda, samosas, pappads, and other items. Reused oil tends to darken and develop hazardous Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in significant amounts, which can adversely affect health if consumed.
Source: Online/OFA
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