Food safety raids to check entry of spurious coconut oil into market

The spiralling prices of coconut oil over the past few months have not just upset household budgets, they have also opened up the possibility of spurious edible oils entering the market in the guise of coconut oil, which may be priced much lower.

Food Safety officials have been on alert to this possibility and have been conducting Statewide raids to ensure that the coconut oil reaching the market is safe for consumption.

In a three-day special drive conducted by the Food Safety department, named Operation Nalikera, officials raided 980 coconut oil manufacturing units as well as wholesale and retail coconut oil trading centres to check if adulterated coconut oil is being pumped into the market, with an eye on the rising prices and the increasing demand.

Of the 980 manufacturing and trading centres raided, 25 have been issued rectification notices. Compounding notice was issued on seven outlets for levying fine for various reasons.

In all, food safety officials have collected 161 statutory samples and 277 surveillance samples of coconut oil, which will be subjected to further tests to ascertain its purity.

Advisory to people

The Health department has issued a warning to the public to be aware that spurious or adulterated coconut oil could be available in the market and to be very careful not to be taken in by “coconut oil” which may be cheaply priced.

The public should inform any misgivings they may have about the quality of any brand of coconut oil on the Food Safety wing’s toll-free number 1800 425 1125.

The manufacturers and sellers of coconut oil in the State have also been asked to ensure that the coconut oil in the open market is safe for consumption. Legal action will be taken against anyone trying to sell spurious or adulterated coconut oil, food safety officials have warned.