Maharashtra Defers Ban on Sale of Loose Edible Oil by One Year
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has decided to defer the enforcement of its ban on the sale of loose edible oil by one year, giving traders time to transition to regulatory requirements, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday following a meeting with representatives of the edible oil trading community.
The decision comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially enforced an immediate ban on August 20 to curb adulteration and protect public health. The FDA order had mandated that all cooking oil be sold in sealed, tamper-evident, food-grade packaging detailing sources and expiry dates. However, the state government revoked the ban on August 24 following intense backlash from traders, many of whom have operated traditional businesses for generations.
During the meeting, Fadnavis announced that the state government will constitute two committees to resolve transition issues. Both panels have been directed to consult all relevant stakeholders and submit their recommendations within one month.
The first committee will examine the operational difficulties faced by traditional businesses and recommend measures to help them adapt to the legal framework. The second committee will identify the infrastructure, systems, and facilities needed by edible oil sellers, manufacturers, repacking units, and related stakeholders to comply with packaging norms.
Fadnavis noted that while oil quality and food safety remain primary concerns, the government must balance enforcement with the economic realities of traders and consumers. He acknowledged that many lower-income consumers continue to purchase loose edible oil because it remains more affordable than packaged alternatives.
"The government does not want to deprive any business of its livelihood. While ensuring compliance with the law, emphasis will be placed on creating the necessary facilities so that businesses can operate in a better and safer manner. The government will extend cooperation wherever necessary to facilitate the adoption of these changes," Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis made it clear to traders that the one-year reprieve will not be extended under any circumstances once the period ends.
Legal provisions regulating loose edible oil were initially introduced by the central government in 2011, followed by several operational notifications up to August 2020. Maharashtra currently has 2,103 licensed businesses dealing in loose edible oil, including 489 licensed production units and 370 repacking businesses.
