BENGALURU: Karnataka has intensified inspections against the sale of loose cooking oil amid concerns over adulteration and violations of food safety norms.
Food safety officials are conducting checks across the state, focusing on cooking oil sold without proper labels, manufacturing details, source information or valid licences.
Officials are collecting samples from suspected outlets and sending them for laboratory testing. Oil found to contain harmful or unauthorised substances could be removed from the market, while sellers may face legal action.
Food Safety and Health Minister UT Khader has directed officials to constitute a high-level committee to examine the risks associated with loose cooking oil. The panel will also assess the possible impact of a complete ban on consumers and traders before submitting its recommendations to the government.
Based on the committee’s report, the state may consider banning the sale of loose cooking oil altogether.
Officials said loose oil sold in open containers or cans is difficult to trace and may not carry crucial details such as the manufacturer’s name, packing and expiry dates, or FSSAI licence information.
Authorities have urged consumers to stay away from unsealed or unlabelled cooking oil, especially products sold at unusually low prices. Consumers have been advised to purchase sealed and properly labelled edible oil carrying a valid FSSAI registration or licence number.
The inspection drive is aimed at preventing adulterated edible oil from reaching consumers and ensuring stricter compliance with food safety regulations across Karnataka.