Unit using old tins for edible oil closed down

PUNE:

Officials of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recently seized used edible oil tin containers worth Rs 9.92 lakh from a packaging unit at Market Yard. The unit had been reusing old tins for packaging edible oil which is not allowed under the new Food Safety and Standards Act. The officials have closed down the unit after the seizure.

“The unit owner used to purchase palmolein oil in bulk from Karnataka and would do the branding, labelling and packaging at his unit located at Market Yard in Gultekdi. When we raided the unit, we found that the tin containers used for packaging the edible oil were old and recycled. Hence, we seized the stock and closed down the unit,” said Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner (food) of FDA, Pune.

The officials seized 300 tin boxes each containing 15 kg oil worth Rs 9.92 lakh during raid conducted on August 21 by food safety officials Yogesh Dhane and Balasaheb Kotkar.

“The owner was also found operating the unit without licence. We issued a stop-production notice till he gets the licence and closed down the unit. We have also drawn samples of the oil and sent them for tests to the government laboratory,” said Dilip Sangat, assistant commissioner (food) of FDA, Pune.

What the rules say

Packaging

* The containers used for packaging food products should comply with different Indian standards

* Tin and plastic containers once used shall not be re-used for packaging of edible oils and fat

* All containers should be securely sealed and packed

* Containers should be free from leaks

Labelling

* Label should be clear and readable

* All the ingredients should be mentioned in the label-A class title

* Nutritional information shall be provided on the label except for bulk products and the ones not sold to consumers

* Vegetarian or non-vegetarian symbols should be used

* All food additives should be declared with the INS number

* Natural colours, flavours etc., should be mentioned

* Complete address of manufacturer

* Net quantity

* Batch number or any other identification should be available

* Best before date must be mentioned

* Country of origin if product is imported

* Instructions of use of the product

* All the food business operators should mention their FSSAI licence number

Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

The unit owner used to purchase palmolein oil in bulk from Karnataka and would do the branding, labelling and packaging at his unit located at Market Yard in Gultekdi