FDA seizes adulterated edible oil worth over Rs 1 cr

KOLHAPUR:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized adulterated edible oil worth Rs 1.05 crore in the last two weeks as part of its drive against adulterated food products ahead of Diwali.

The FDA team comprising nine food inspectors conducted six raids in the district and will continue the drive.

U S Vanjari, assistant commissioner of FDA, Kolhapur unit, said “We regularly conduct raids to keep a check on the supply of adulterated food items in the market. As Diwali is approaching and the market is flooded with sweets and food items, we have intensified our vigil in the market. The Kolhapur office has carried as many as six raids in the district and adulterated oil worth Rs 1.05 crore has been seized till Saturday.”

“We will continue the drive during and after the festival period. Consumers get unpacked edible oil at cheaper rate as compared to packed oil and hence, the chances of adulteration are more. As per the law, the sale of unpacked oil is not allowed. Thus, we have begun the drive against shop owners who are found selling unpacked oil,” he said.

The FDA department has appealed to the consumers to buy sweets and food items from those having authorized licences and check the manufacturing date before buying.

They should opt for packed food items and check the details of the manufacturer printed on it, the officials said.

Two weeks ago, the district supply office (DSO) had seized ten tankers suspected to be carrying adulterated edible oil for traders, who allegedly tried to keep excess stock ahead of Diwali.

The DSO handed over the tankers to the owners after checking the documents and ensuring that they do not cross the stock limit.

“We have sent the samples of the seized oil to the laboratory in Pune for testing. We are waiting for the report,” Vanjari said.

“If we find any adulteration, we will take action against the concerned persons. We have asked them not to sell oil from the tankers till we get the report,” Vanjari added.