Mumbai FDA Cracks Down On Reused Cooking Oil

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered strict enforcement to prevent used cooking oil from re-entering the food chain in Mumbai. This decision comes amid concerns that premium hotels are repeatedly reusing frying oil and discarded oil is being sold to street vendors.

According to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the decision has been prompted by FDA data from 2025-26, which showed that out of 1,247 edible oil samples analyzed across Maharashtra, 1,142 conformed to standards, while 77 were substandard, 13 unsafe, and 15 misbranded.

The FDA has issued a 14-point statewide compliance order under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, covering the entire edible oil supply chain. The order prohibits the sale of loose or unpackaged edible oil, and oil must be sold only in sealed, tamper-evident, and properly labeled packages.

A major focus is on the repeated reuse of frying oil by food establishments. The FDA has stipulated that oil with Total Polar Compounds (TPC) exceeding 25% cannot be used, while fresh oil should not exceed 15% TPC. Used oil must be handed over to authorized Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) collectors and cannot re-enter the food chain.

The FDA has also prohibited refilling edible oil into used or rusted cans. Single-use tin containers cannot be reused, particularly those previously used for mineral oil, lubricants, paints, or chemicals. Rusted, cracked, or improperly tinned containers will invite action.

The order covers oil expellers, solvent extraction units, refiners, vanaspati and vegetable-fat manufacturers, blenders, repackers, importers, distributors, transporters, supermarkets, and e-commerce sellers. Valid FSSAI licenses under the appropriate Kind of Business category and in-house laboratory facilities are mandatory for manufacturers.

Multi-sourced edible oil must be sold in sealed packs of up to 15 kg with AGMARK certification and declarations of constituent oils and percentages. Mustard oil must be sold in 100% pure form. The FDA will intensify surveillance for argemone adulteration during and after the monsoon.

Violations will attract imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 10 lakh. The FDA will take strict action against those found violating the rules, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

This move by the FDA is expected to improve the quality of edible oil available in the market and prevent the reuse of cooking oil, which can be harmful to health. The FDA will continue to monitor the situation and take action against those found violating the rules.

The decision is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and quality of food in Mumbai. The FDA's efforts to prevent the reuse of cooking oil and regulate the sale of edible oil will go a long way in protecting the health and well-being of consumers.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra FDA's crackdown on reused cooking oil is a welcome move that will help to improve the quality of edible oil available in the market. The strict enforcement of rules and regulations will ensure that consumers have access to safe and healthy food options.