Rs 500!!! Price of coconut oil going out of control: adulterated varieties easily available for Rs 350

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the price of coconut oil rising above Rs 500 per litre, counterfeiters have taken over the market. Fake coconut oils, which are available for prices as cheap as Rs 350, have entered the market with the Onam market as their target. Food Safety Department has tightened inspections.

It is also widespread to sell fake coconut oil in bottles without a name. Adulterated coconut oil is made by mixing palm oil and other cheap oils with coconut oil. There are also fakes in packages that resemble Kerala coconut oil from Kera Fed. The fakes are sold under names like Kerala Nadu, Kerala Shuddhi, Kerala Sugandhi. The fraud was committed by writing only the word 'Kerala' in large letters. Traders say that coconut oil cannot be sold for less than Rs. 500 since copra is priced at Rs. 280.

'Operation Naalikera': Seven establishments fined

The Food Safety Department conducted inspections in 980 establishments two weeks ago under the name of Operation Naalikera. The inspections were conducted at coconut oil manufacturing units, wholesale and retail outlets. 161 statutory samples and 277 surveillance samples were sent for testing. The results will be available this week. Notices have been issued to 25 establishments. Compounding notices for levying fines have been issued to seven establishments. If there is any doubt about the quality of coconut oil, people can report food safety complaints on the toll-free number 1800 425 1125.

Coconut price touches 90 rupees

Coconut oil price per liter- 500 rupees +

Coconut price (per kg)- 90

Copra price (per kg)- 280

Coconut oil price in mills- 450

"The Food Safety Department has tightened inspections in view of the possibility of adulterated coconut oil reaching the market. People should be vigilant against adulterated coconut oil. Manufacturers and traders should take care to ensure the safety of coconut oil."

-Veena George

Health Minister