17,000 Litres of Substandard Coconut Oil Seized Ahead of Onam

Fast Summary

• Over 17,000 litres of spurious and sub-standard coconut oil have been seized in 1,014 raids across the State by the Commissionerate of Food Safety in the past month.
• food safety officials tested 469 samples, issued notices to 25 coconut oil manufacturers/traders, and initiated legal action against brands using fake FSSAI licences (e.g.,Kera Soorya,Kera Haritham,and Kuttanadan Kera).
• Since April, 21,030 inspections have been conducted statewide concerning coconut oil quality; cases filed against 331 entities with ₹63 lakh in fines collected from over 1,613 institutions.
• Inspections will intensify during the upcoming festive season with night-time raids targeting wayside eateries (“thattukada”) and prioritizing markets selling edible oils, ghee, grains/fruits/vegetables/milk products. Special squads are being formed at district headquarters for emergency demands.
• Officials stressed compliance with valid FSSAI licences for food businesses alongside health certificates for handlers and proper labelling of packed foods.
• Consumers can report food safety complaints via a toll-free number: 1800 425 1125.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This large-scale crackdown on adulterated coconut oil highlights two critical concerns-food safety governance and consumer protection during high-demand seasons like festivals. The systematic approach undertaken by food safety officials indicates heightened vigilance amidst potential risks posed by counterfeit or sub-standard products entering circulation via unchecked channels. The focus on ensuring compliance with FSSAI standards suggests an effort to strengthen regulatory enforcement while addressing public health risks associated with low-quality edible items.

Moreover, expanding inspections into night-time business operations such as roadside eateries is a proactive measure that underscores inclusivity in oversight across diverse modes of commercial activity. Though impactful this initiative might potentially be institutionally or legally to weed out errant manufacturers/traders-it also serves as a reminder for consumers about their role in upholding accountability through reporting improper practices.Read More: Published – August 19, 2025