Maharashtra Govt to Frame SOPs on Loose Edible Oil Sales, Says CM

MUMBAI — The Maharashtra government will ask the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to frame standard operating procedures to prevent edible oil adulteration without crippling the business of traditional oil traders and small retailers, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

The issue of the FDA's ban on the sale of loose edible oil was discussed during a state cabinet meeting on Monday. During the discussions, ministers pointed out that selling loose oil remains a traditional business and noted that economically weaker consumers often prefer purchasing cooking oil in small quantities.

Addressing the matter, Fadnavis stressed that the state government is seeking a middle path to balance strict quality enforcement with the livelihoods of traditional oil vendors and the needs of small consumers.

"Strict quality needs to be maintained, but at the same time, traditional businesses also need to be protected," Fadnavis said.

The development follows recent actions by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who had urged consumers not to buy loose or unsealed edible oil, terming it unsafe. Mundhe had also noted that a compliance order had been issued for the sector following violations.