Malayalis unsure of how to buy safe oil during Onam; over 20,000 litres seized so far

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that the Food Safety Department has again conducted spot checks at coconut oil production and marketing centres across Kerala as part of Operation Life. A total of 4513 litres of suspicious coconut oil were seized from seven districts.

16,565 litres of coconut oil were seized in the inspections conducted a week and a half ago. Special inspections were conducted in addition to the Onam inspections, following complaints regarding the quality of coconut oil. The minister clarified that the inspections will continue.

The inspections were conducted by special squads led by Assistant Food Safety Commissioners of various districts. Suspicious coconut oil was seized in quantities of 300 litres in Pathanamthitta, 107 litres in Idukki, 630 litres in Thrissur, 988 litres in Palakkad, 1943 litres in Malappuram, and 545 litres in Kasaragod.

735 litres of suspicious coconut oil were seized from the Rice & Oil Mill in Cherumukku, Malappuram and a nearby godown. Although two statutory samples were collected from Wayanad, no suspicious coconut oil was found. A total of 20 statutory samples and three surveillance samples were collected. Officials informed that strong follow-up action will be taken.

***Adulteration of food items is a criminal offense. The public can report complaints regarding the quality of coconut oil to the toll-free number 1800 425 1125.