The Maharashtra government has decided to give traders a one-year temporary exemption from restrictions on the sale of loose edible oil, following concerns over recent enforcement action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, Fadnavis acknowledged that a large number of economically weaker consumers still buy loose oil. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with a delegation of traders and said the law regulating the sale of loose edible oil was introduced in 2011, with food quality being the primary concern.
He said there was a need to strike a balance between enforcing food safety regulations and addressing the concerns of consumers and traditional businesses.
The state government will constitute a joint committee comprising FDA officials and representatives of traders. The panel will examine the changes traditional businesses need to make to comply with the existing regulations. The government will also provide assistance to traders wherever required. The relief will be limited to one year. The Chief Minister has made it clear that there will be no further extension and traders will have to comply with the law after the one year. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe had recently urged consumers not to buy loose or unsealed edible oil, calling it unsafe.
Earlier reporting noted: Maharashtra puts FDA action against loose edible oil sales on hold for 1 year Maharashtra’s chief minister has deferred enforcement action on loose edible oil sales for one year (File photo) Earlier reporting noted: MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said enforcement action against the sale of loose edible oil would be kept in abeyance for a year, putting the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision on hold.
He said the FDA had issued a compliance order for the edible oil sector after detecting violations related to adulteration, unsafe packaging, improper storage and transportation. Earlier reporting noted: A joint committee comprising FDA representatives and traders will be constituted to recommend measures and provide guidance for implementing these changes, an official release said.
