Maharashtra FDA: Ditch Loose Edible Oils Now!

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strong advisory urging consumers to refrain from buying loose or unsealed edible oils. This directive stems from concerns over adulteration, unsafe packaging, and inadequate storage and transportation practices.

Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe highlighted that loose oils lack essential identifiers like batch numbers and source information, rendering them untraceable and inherently unsafe for consumption. Consumers are advised to check labels, manufacturing, and expiry dates on packed oils, ensuring they are properly sealed and not in reused packaging.

During the financial year 2025-26, the FDA collected 1,247 edible oil samples, analyzing 1,142. The analysis revealed 77 substandard samples and 15 instances of misbranding, underscoring the prevalent issues with oil quality.

Beyond packaging, the FDA also stressed the importance of proper transport and storage. Tankers used for non-edible substances are prohibited for edible oil transport, and oils must be shielded from direct sunlight and strong odors. Repeatedly heating and reusing cooking oil can also generate harmful compounds like aldehydes and trans-fatty acids, posing risks to liver and kidney health and potentially contributing to cancer.

Consuming adulterated oil can introduce unwanted substances, leading to digestive discomfort such as nausea, stomach pain, acidity, or loose stools. Edwina Raj, Head of Services at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, recommends watching for unusual smells, colors, tastes, excessive foaming, or rapid smoking as indicators of poor quality. While these signs raise suspicion, only laboratory testing can confirm adulteration. Experts advise using fresh oil moderately, avoiding repeated reheating, storing oils in cool, dark places, and sourcing from reliable, sealed, and labeled providers.