Maharashtra has given traders selling loose edible oil a one-year transition period to bring their businesses in line with existing food-safety regulations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday.
The decision comes amid concerns from traders that an immediate shift away from traditional loose-oil sales could affect businesses and consumers, particularly in rural areas where the practice remains common.
Fadnavis, who chaired a meeting with representatives of loose edible oil traders at the Mantralaya, said enforcement action against the sale of loose edible oil would remain suspended for one year. However, he made it clear that the government would not extend the deadline beyond this period and that businesses would ultimately have to comply with the law.
“The law has to take its course, but a transition period is necessary to move from traditional business practices to a system that complies with the law,” Fadnavis said.
The government will constitute two committees to work out how traders can make the transition. One will examine the difficulties faced by businesses that have traditionally sold edible oil in loose form and suggest measures to help them comply with legal requirements. The other will look at the infrastructure and facilities required by edible oil sellers, manufacturers and repackaging businesses.
Both committees have been asked to consult stakeholders and submit their reports to the government within a month.
The issue is closely linked to concerns over adulteration and food safety. According to the state government, the Centre introduced legal provisions relating to the sale of edible oil in 2011, taking into account the potential impact of adulteration on public health. The Central Advisory Committee subsequently called for stricter regulation of the sale of loose edible oil.
The government said four notifications relating to regulation under the law had been issued up to August 28, 2020.
Maharashtra currently has 2,103 licensed loose edible oil businesses. Of these, 370 have licences to sell edible oil after repackaging, while 489 have licences for edible oil manufacturing, according to figures presented at the meeting.
The government’s decision reflects the challenge of implementing food-safety regulations in a sector where traditional practices remain widespread.
“There is demand for and a need for loose edible oil in rural areas. At the same time, the livelihoods of many traders depend on this business,” Fadnavis said, stressing the need to balance regulatory requirements with the needs of consumers and small businesses.
The government has also indicated that traders could receive assistance, facilities, grants or subsidies, where necessary, to help them make the transition.
Fadnavis said support would be considered for setting up quality-testing systems, packaging facilities and other infrastructure needed to comply with the law.
“The government does not want to deprive any trader of their livelihood. While ensuring compliance with the law, emphasis will be placed on creating the necessary facilities so that businesses can operate in a better and safer manner,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Food and Drug Administration and Special Assistance Minister Narhari Zirwal, senior government officials, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and representatives of edible oil traders, manufacturers and repackaging businesses.
For traders, the one-year window provides time to shift towards compliant packaging and testing systems. For the government, the challenge now will be to ensure that the transition improves food safety without disproportionately affecting small businesses and consumers who continue to rely on loose edible oil.
