New Delhi: In a bid to curb misleading claims and adulteration in edible oils, the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has notified a draft regulation that sets standards for the permissible composition of fatty acids in various types of edible oils.
The amendments in the regulation have been introduced at a time when edible oil companies have been increasingly looking at launching blended oil products to woo consumers with various health benefit claims.
The food regulator said the draft FSS (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulation 2017 will pave the way for determination of the authenticity of edible oils by incorporating fatty acid composition in the standards. “Since the fatty acid composition is different for each edible oil, this amendment will go a long way in exposing and curbing two malpractices in the edible oil sector- adulteration of expensive oils with cheaper oils and misleading label claims on the composition of blended oils,” the regulator said in its notification. It is seeking comments from various stakeholders.
Ashwin Bhadri, CEO, Equinox Labs, said the new draft speaks about the percentage of fatty acids composition along with the different kinds of fatty acids found in 20 types of edible oils besides their permissible limits. “This regulation will provide clarity to edible oil makers and testing authorities. It will also benefit consumers by bringing in transparency regarding the oil composition that they consume and ensure their safety,” he added.
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