Now Reading: Maharashtra FDA chief bans loose oil, then withdraws order
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Maharashtra FDA chief bans loose oil, then withdraws order
Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday declared a statewide ban on loose edible oil was non-negotiable and that relaxing the rules would be inappropriate. The administration withdrew the statements an hour…
Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday declared a statewide ban on loose edible oil was non-negotiable and that relaxing the rules would be inappropriate. The administration withdrew the statements an hour later, saying a meeting with the government would decide standard operating procedures.
The commissioner said the prohibition dates to a 2011 national provision and that Maharashtra had granted time-bound exemptions only until 2020. The FDA cited examples of Delhi, UP and Tamil Nadu, where such bans are already in place. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier said the government was seeking a middle path between quality standards and protecting traditional businesses.
The U-turn came after the Edible Oil Merchants Association sent a letter to the FDA. A government meeting is scheduled to discuss the way forward.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The ban on loose edible oil traces back to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and a 2011 regulation requiring packaged sale. Maharashtra had issued temporary exemptions for years, creating a patchwork of local enforcement. The oil merchants' opposition reflects a sector where loose oil accounts for a significant share of retail sales, especially in smaller towns and traditional kirana stores. A meeting with the state government is expected to finalise standard operating procedures, likely balancing compliance deadlines with transitional relief for traders. The next concrete signal to watch is whether the government issues a fresh timeline or another extension before the compliance order takes effect.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
