 "SEA demands Maha govt to stop sale of loose edible oil")
Vegetable oil industry body SEA today demanded that the Maharashtra state government withdraw the recent notification that allowed sale of unpacked edible oils in smaller quantity for one year, saying that such a move would encourage sale of adulterated edible oils.
It also informed that the state has necessary infrastructure for packing of edible oils and is capable of supplying edible oils in smaller packs in rural areas too.
For the benefit of consumers in rural areas, the Maharashtra government had on October 28 issued a notification allowing sale of loose edible oils in 100 grams, 200 grams and 300 grams for a period of one year.
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"SEA has strongly requested the Maharashtra government to review the relaxation and withdraw this Notification at the earliest in the interest of health of the consumers," the Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) President Vijay Data said in a statement.
This notification will have "serious ramification on the public health as unscrupulous elements will now have free hand to indulge in malpractices by way of adulteration and also consumer could be cheated on the quantity", he said.
"Let us not forget what happened in North India in late nineties when mustard oil sold in loose was heavily adulterated that resulted into heavy loss of life," he added.
Noting that the quality of edible oil over a period of time deteriorates, Data said that edible oil in loose form deteriorates much faster as it is continuously in contact with air and moisture. Even the packaged edible oil has a shelf life, after which it is not fit to be consumed.
The industry body SEA said the vegetable oil industry in Maharashtra has all the necessary infrastructure for packing of edible oils in 100 grams, 200 grams and 300 grams package. It is also in a position to supply the edible oils in smaller packs in rural areas too.
"In fact, edible oil like coconut oil are freely available in 100gm, 200gm and 300gm packs in Maharashtra. It is needless to mention that packaging cost is hardly 3-5% of the product cost but it ensures the quality and quantity," the SEA added.