Edible Oil To Be Tested On The Spot

The food ministry has arranged for on-the-spot testing of edible oils at the super bazaar (main branch) consumer service centre in Connaught Circus for Rs 10.

This follows the death of over 20 people in the Capital due to dropsy caused by mustard oil adulterated with argemone oil. The Delhi government has imposed a blanket ban on the sale of mustard oil, loose or packed, for the time being.

The consumer service centre has facilities for testing samples of all common edible oils, vanaspati and ghee. Run under the directorate of vanaspati, vegetable oils and fats of the food and consumer affairs ministry, the Centre will remain open on all working days.

Argemone Mexicana is a hardy weed that grows wildly in the north, particularly in the weed-infested mustard fields and gets harvested with the main crop as its flowers and seeds look similar to those of mustard.

Commonly called `dhattura' or `satyanash,' its oil contains toxins like sanguinarine and dihydra-sanguinarine which cause vomiting, loose motion, bloating of the stomach and swelling of limbs, besides respiratory and heart complications. Once the heart is affected, there is little hope for recovery.