Mustard Oil Banned In Vanaspati Production Banned

The edible oils department in the food ministry yesterday banned the use of mustard oil in vanaspati production till further notice in view of incidence of its adulteration with toxic argemone oil and even mobil.

The department has also cautioned the oil trade and industry to ensure prescribed quality standards for their raw materials and products. It has advised the industry to adopt a code of self-discipline.

An official note issued yesterday says the department has decided to conduct surprise checks on the units manufacturing vegetable oil products and solvent extracted products besides increasing frequency of regular inspections. Field officers have been instructed to draw samples from all manufacturing units and markets within their zones for checking the purity of the stuff.

 

State governments have been requested to take adequate measures to check adulteration of edible oils by not allowing them to be sold in loose form; insisting on packaging to be done by the manufacturers only; and discontinuing manufacture of edible oils on job work basis by sub-agents. The government has also decided to import edible oilseeds to augment the domestic supplies of vegetable oils.