CGSI sample test of loose Edible Oil turned 64% adulterated

CGSI sample test of loose Edible Oil turned 64% adulterated

Mumbai: Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI) conducted a sample collection of edible oil which is sold loose in the market for testing its quality. Test conducted on the samples revealed that majority (64 per cent) of the oil sold loose in the market were adulterated.

269 samples were collected by all CGSI Managing Committee Members, Volunteers, Staff, and National Service Scheme Volunteers from various colleges in 100 gms/ml quantity of Loose Edible Oil from various shops closer to their locality, in plastic pouches and containers which later they sent for tests proved to be adulterated.

The collected samples were sent to a designated laboratory for testing (Poisonous/Harmful Adulterants) by chemical analysis by CGSI team. All the oil samples were also checked by a professional laboratory for its Iodine Value & Refractive Index to confirm if the oil is genuine or adulterated.

Over 64 per cent of the edible oils (namely Sesame Oil, Coconut Oil, Ground Nut Oil, Mustard Oil, Sunflower Oil, Cottonseed, Soybean, Godtel, etc.,) sold loose in the market is adulterated with inexpensive ‘Palmolein’ allowing Oil adulterators make a very good amount of profit at the cost of the poor consumer.

“Luckily, no dangerous substances found in the samples, but majority of the oil samples contained cheap palmolein,” said Dr. M.S. Kamath, Hon. Secretary, CGSI. “The consumer who buys oil in smaller quantity is getting cheated by getting cheaper quality oil. We want the government of Maharashtra which allowed the sale of loose oil (citing the shortage of smaller quantity containers in the market) through a G.R. in 2013 to withdraw it with immediate effect to protect the rights of the consumers,” Dr. Kamath urged.

“If shampoos, toothpaste and soft drinks can be sold in small pouches and tetra packs, why not edible oil? Asked Dr. Sitaram Dixit, Chairman, CGSI. “The overall adulteration is about 64 per cent. In certain samples we found palmolein added up to 90 per cent.  This shows the gravity of the situation,” added Dr. Dixit.

CGSI organizers said the FDA is loop and promised to take the necessary action and urged the Government of Maharashtra to immediately cancel the G. R. or at least not to renew it when it lapses in October 2014.

The 269 samples were collected from across Mumbai during February 2014.