MUMBAI: In a setback for Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has put on hold for a year a decision to ban the sale of unpacked and unverified edible oil.
Mundhe has led a crackdown on unhygienic conditions in restaurants and hotels and the use of expired food products. His next move was to target the sale of unpacked adulterated edible oil, which is reportedly causing more heart attacks and other heart-related health issues.
The FDA chief had proposed the ban to prevent the sale of adulterated edible oil and maintain quality. However, Fadnavis has put the decision on hold following opposition from people involved in the edible oil business.
The Teli community, which is involved in the oil business, opposed the move, saying the sale of unpacked oil is their traditional business.
The Edible Oil Federation also met Fadnavis and apprised him of their demands and concerns. Fadnavis subsequently suspended the FDA commissioner’s decision for one year.
The federation’s office-bearers were also instructed to ensure the sale of unadulterated edible oil, as many poor people consume unpacked oil.
The meeting also decided to form a joint committee of FDA officials and traders to prepare guidelines for the sale of unpacked oil.
Fadnavis instructed that no further extension would be given after the one-year period for the sale of unpacked oil. He said the law would have to be followed and everyone should make the required changes to their business model within the next year.
