ITPA to take up packaging edible oils with Govt

The Indian Tinplate Manufacturers Association (ITMA) will take up with the West Bengal government the issue of packaging edible oils. Pradeep Sharma, secretary general, ITMA said, the most prevalent packaging medium for edible oils and ghee was the 15kg tin container which as per BIS standard should be made from tinplate material and the tinplate should conform to BIS standard IS 1993:2006.

He added, “Consumers are probably unaware that a few oil fillers have started using galvanized plain (GP) sheets for packing edible oils in 15kg containers and are putting the health of unsuspecting consumers to grave danger. Oil packed in such containers is susceptible to contamination as GP sheets is not the prescribed material for packaging edibles.” GP sheet is primarily used for making sheets for roofing, trunks and at times for making containers for packaging non-edibles. The sheet contains lead and zinc which are toxic materials and are known to be carcinogenic.

Sharma said, though the phenomenon originated in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the tins so filled were being distributed and sold in states other than the states of origin. “Mustard oil in GP sheets packed in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh was being sold in West Bengal and other eastern region states,” he said.