Ensuring food safety: Tackling recycled tins, adulteration, & misbranding

Authored by Snehal Patel, Secretary, Gujarat Oil Refiners Association

National Consumer Day, observed on December 24, serves as a crucial reminder of the need to protect consumer rights and ensure the availability of safe and high-quality food products. In Gujarat, where edible oil is a household staple, a persistent and alarming issue continues to undermine public health: the illegal use of recycled tins for packaging edible oils. Despite stringent regulations and enforcement by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), the malpractice of using recycled tins remains a significant challenge in the edible oil industry.

According to FSSAI’s 2018 regulations, only prime-grade tin plates are permitted for packaging edible oils, and the reuse of tins for any food product is strictly prohibited. These rules aim to eliminate the health risks associated with recycled tins, which often harbour harmful contaminants and residues from their previous usage. Despite these clear guidelines, many manufacturers continue to flout the rules, primarily driven by the cost advantage of using recycled tins over food-grade materials.

Notably, residual contaminants in recycled tins can leach into the oil, causing foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, and long-term health issues. Studies have shown that poorly cleaned or damaged tins are prone to rust and chemical reactions, which degrade the oil’s quality, leading to faster spoilage and reduced shelf life. This creates a dual hazard—consumers unknowingly consume unsafe products, and the oils lose their nutritional value and intended benefits.

Regulatory authorities have intensified their efforts to tackle this malpractice. FSSAI has issued legal notices to over 200 manufacturers and traders in Gujarat for violations of packaging regulations, with 400 more cases identified for further enforcement. Key regions such as Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Surat, and Rajkot have been identified as hotspots for this issue. The Gujarat FDCA has also directed its officers to monitor these violators and take legal action, reaffirming their commitment to food safety.

However, enforcement alone is not enough to eliminate this dangerous practice. Consumer awareness plays a critical role in combating the use of recycled tins. Consumers must remain vigilant when purchasing edible oils, checking for proper labelling, FSSAI license numbers, and certifications of authenticity. Avoiding products with substandard packaging and reporting suspicious practices can create pressure on manufacturers to adhere to safety standards. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate consumers about the risks associated with recycled tins and encourage them to make informed purchasing decisions.

While the use of recycled tins poses the most pressing threat, other malpractices like adulteration and misbranding further compromise the safety and integrity of edible oils. Adulteration often involves mixing cottonseed oil with cheaper alternatives like palm oil, marketed as light or low-cost options. Such practices not only degrade the product’s quality but also pose health risks to consumers. Similarly, misbranding has emerged as another malpractice, where refined palm oil is repackaged and falsely marketed as premium oils such as groundnut or sunflower oil, often without proper labelling or invoices, violating GST norms. 

National Consumer Day serves as a timely occasion to emphasise the collective responsibility of manufacturers, regulators, and consumers in addressing these challenges. Manufacturers must prioritise consumer health over short-term profits by investing in quality packaging and adhering to FSSAI regulations. Regulators must continue their stringent enforcement measures, ensuring that violators are penalised swiftly and effectively. At the same time, consumers must be empowered to demand transparency and safety in the products they purchase.

The edible oil sector is a cornerstone of Gujarat’s food industry, and its reputation depends on maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. The illegal use of recycled tins not only jeopardizes public health but also erodes trust in the industry. By fostering greater awareness, strengthening enforcement, and promoting ethical practices, we can work toward a safer and more reliable food supply chain.

As we reflect on the importance of consumer safety this National Consumer Day, let us commit to eliminating the use of recycled tins and other unsafe practices in the edible oil industry. Through collective effort and unwavering commitment to quality, we can safeguard public health and ensure that every consumer has access to safe, high-quality edible oils.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.

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