- Maharashtra will seek a balanced approach on loose edible oil sales to protect quality and consumers
- Loose edible oil sales are banned; only sealed, labelled packaging is allowed in Maharashtra
- Fadnavis emphasized protecting small traders and low-income buyers amid new oil sale restrictions
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the state government will seek a balanced approach on the sale of loose edible oil, ensuring food quality standards are maintained without affecting traditional oil merchants or low-income consumers, Fadnavis addressed the media on Monday.
Notably, the loose sale of edible oil has been banned across Maharashtra, with the state FDA directing manufacturers, repackers, wholesalers, retailers and online sellers to sell all edible oils and fats only in properly sealed food-grade packaging carrying mandatory details such as the source of the oil and expiry date.
ALSO READ | 'Cancer Risks': Tukaram Mundhe Bans Loose Edible Oil Sales, Warns Rs 10 Lakh Penalty, Life Term
The order follows food safety inspections that found 77 substandard samples and 13 samples unsafe for consumption.
Speaking about the issue, Fadnavis said the matter was raised during a cabinet meeting, with concerns over how restrictions on loose oil could affect both small traders and people who rely on buying oil in smaller quantities.
“We must find a way so that traditional oil merchants and the poor can continue to buy oil,” Fadnavis said, adding that the government would take a position that safeguards quality while ensuring consumers do not face hardship.
The chief minister also responded to reports of industries considering shifting operations from Maharashtra to other states, saying genuine entrepreneurs would raise concerns with the government rather than issue threats.
“Anyone gets up and threatens to take their industries to another state; genuine entrepreneurs never say such things,” Fadnavis said.
His remarks came amid reports that around 20 industries were considering moving their operations outside Maharashtra.
ALSO READ | FDA Crackdown Intensifies: 13 Food Licenses Suspended, 1,800 Kg Whey Powder & Adulterated Milk Seized
Fadnavis said the government was open to addressing genuine grievances and would work to resolve problems faced by businesses operating in the state.
“If there are any complaints, we will certainly resolve them,” he said.
The comments underline the government's stated approach of balancing regulatory measures with the interests of consumers, small traders and industry, while seeking to address concerns without compromising quality or the state's business environment.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.