Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 27: The Karnataka government is stepping up its crackdown on adulterated food products and cooking oils, with the Food Safety and Standards Department considering a complete ban on the sale of loose cooking oil across the state.

Along with action against the reuse of cooking oil, the government is exploring a ban on cooking oil sold in loose form. If implemented, consumers may soon have to switch to sealed, properly labelled packets instead of buying oil sold loose.

Loose oil under the scanner

How safe is the cooking oil being used every day in your kitchen? The department is now examining the quality and safety of loose cooking oil, particularly products sold at cheaper prices.

Officials are closely monitoring loose oil sales and carrying out detailed checks on the quality, source and labelling of the products. Regular inspections are also being conducted to prevent the sale of adulterated cooking oil.

Licence mandatory for oil sales

The Food Safety and Standards Department has intensified its action against the adulterated oil trade. The sale of cooking oil without the required licence is not permitted, and strict action is being taken against those violating the rules.

Officials are also checking whether cheaper oils or other substances are being mixed with cooking oil. Samples of suspicious products are being collected and sent to laboratories for testing.

If an oil sample fails quality standards, its sale will be stopped and legal action will be initiated against those responsible.

Packaged oil gets government push

The department is also planning to create greater public awareness about purchasing sealed and properly labelled packaged cooking oil.

The government is considering stricter regulations to completely stop the sale of loose cooking oil, citing concerns over its quality, source and traceability.

Committee to examine risks of loose oil

Before taking a final call, the government wants to assess the possible risks and practical implications of banning loose cooking oil.

A committee is being constituted to submit a comprehensive report examining how dangerous loose cooking oil is, its advantages and disadvantages, and the problems that could arise from restricting or completely stopping its sale.

Minister U T Khader has initiated the process of forming the committee. The government plans to take a decision on a complete ban on loose cooking oil based on the committee's report.