Palm oil is fully permitted, standardised edible oil under FSSAI regulations for packaged foods: Centre
New Delhi, August 13
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav has defended the use of palm oil in packaged foods, saying it is a standardised edible oil permitted under India's food safety regulations and meets safety standards based on scientific assessments and internationally recognised Codex norms.
Responding to parliamentary queries on the use of palm oil in processed foods such as snacks, biscuits and namkeen, Jadhav said food safety standards in India are based on scientific opinions from independent risk assessment bodies, including the Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Under Sub-regulation 2.2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, palm oil is classified as a standardised edible fat. Its use as an edible oil ingredient in packaged foods, including bakery products, snacks and savouries, is therefore permitted under the regulatory framework.
The Ministry also highlighted that palm oil is regulated by FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
He said India's food safety standards are framed based on scientific assessments and are harmonised with internationally accepted Codex Alimentarius standards, ensuring that permitted food ingredients comply with established safety parameters.
"The FBOs are mandated to comply with the defined standards. These food safety standards are made based on the scientific opinion provided by independent risk assessment bodies, i.e. Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee and are harmonised with internationally accepted Codex standards," the Minister said.
The ministry also emphasised consumer transparency in the use of edible oils in packaged foods.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to declare the specific name of the edible oil used in a product rather than using generic terms such as "edible vegetable oil".
The requirement enables consumers to identify the particular oil used in packaged food products and make informed dietary choices.
The Centre's clarification comes amid questions over the health implications of palm oil and its use in processed foods compared with other edible oils.
The government reiterated that all food manufacturers are required to comply with the standards prescribed by FSSAI and that permitted ingredients are subject to established food safety and risk assessment procedures.
— ANI
Reader Comments
At least the labeling regulations are getting stricter. Now we can finally see on the packet whether it's palm oil or sunflower oil. Better than before when everything just said "edible vegetable oil". Awareness is growing and that's a positive step forward!
Codex standards are one thing, but what about the trans-fat content? Palm oil is highly saturated and goes through heavy processing. Meanwhile our local cold-pressed oils like til ka tel are sidelined. The government should focus on promoting healthier indigenous options instead of just rubber-stamping what big corporations use. 🤔
My mother always says "ghar ka khana is the best" for a reason! These packaged chips and biscuits are full of palm oil, we all know it. The transparency in labeling is good but why wait till now? Still, acknowledgement is the first step. Let's hope stricter guidelines follow soon!
It's interesting that India is following Codex standards on this. Many countries have stricter limits or even banned palm oil for health reasons. The question is whether accepting palm oil at all is wise for a country with rising diabetes and heart disease rates. Maybe it's time to rethink this decision?
On one hand the Minister is right - palm oil is technically approved and safe. But on the other hand, we're seeing too much of it everywhere! Every packet of chips, every biscuit has this oil. The real issue is our consumption habits needing a shift, not just the regulatory approval. In moderation anything is fine. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.