FSSAI Launches Campaign Against Sale of Adulterated Edible Oil

On Monday, the food safety regulator, FSSAI, launched an awareness campaign against the sale of adulterated edible oil, which will run until August 14. At a press conference, the FSSAI announced that it has decided to prohibit adulterated mineral oil, argemone oil, castor oil, and trans fatty acid oil.

In the first phase, 126 edible oil samples will be tested at an oil testing laboratory. If the presence of adulterants is confirmed in vegetable oil refineries, oil blending units, and other production units involved in the production of edible oils, the FSSAI will take the necessary action.

The food safety regulator in India has increased its crackdown on the sale of adulterated edible oil (both branded and unbranded). The consumption of adulterated edible oil is said to be increasing the number of heart patients. The regulator would collect oil samples from oil companies of all sizes and send them to be tested.

If adulteration is discovered, oil companies may be forced to close their doors. The FSSAI made these decisions in order to raise consumer awareness.

When the corona outbreak occurred, FSSI obtained evidence of eight companies selling adulterating oil. However, due to the corona, no action was taken against those farms.

Major Health Risks:

Consuming adulterated mustard oil with Argemone oil even for a short duration leads to a clinical condition referred to as 'Epidemic Dropsy' and it causes oxidative stress and death of red blood cells via met-hemoglobin formation by altering pyridine nucleotide(s) and glutathione redox potential.

Adulteration with Argemone oil poses a serious threat to human health and must be checked by concerned regulatory authorities. Argemone oil is extracted from argemone seeds and is deliberately mixed with mustard oil and sesame oil to increase its quantity. Consumption of this oil leads to major health issues among children.