Fadnavis Directs FDA to Draft SOPs to Curb Edible Oil Adulteration

MUMBAI — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the adulteration of edible oil while safeguarding traditional oil traders and small retailers.

The directive was issued during a meeting of the state Cabinet in Mumbai, where ministers reviewed regulatory enforcement and the safety of edible items sold across the state.

During the Cabinet discussions, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the state government aims to maintain a clear balance between enforcing strict food safety standards and protecting the livelihoods of businesses engaged in the traditional oil trade.

Fadnavis emphasised that food safety standards cannot be compromised, noting that consumers must be protected from adulterated goods. However, he stressed that small retail establishments and traditional businesses require protection from excessive regulatory burden.

The FDA will now frame the standard guidelines to ensure compliance with quality norms across the edible oil sector while ensuring fair operations for traditional trade networks.