The Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) of India has issued a warning to its members not to be a part of the supply chain for fake oils. In an advisory to members, the association's President, Atul Chaturvedi, stated that some companies may be involved in the production of spurious edible oils by mixing glycerine with fatty acids in reverse to produce crude oil.
The advisory stated that some manufacturers combine PFAD (palm fatty acid distillate) and glycerine, or rice fatty acid and glycerine, to produce crude oil. They sell it to refiners or mix it with regular crude edible oils to increase profits.
The oils obtained through this process are not vegetable oils, but synthetic ones that are diglyceride in nature, according to him, adding that such material is harmful to health.
"We have been informed that this nefarious activity is rapidly spreading and is a source of concern for all of us who work in the edible oil sector." Furthermore, such bogus oils on the market have the potential to drive honest manufacturers out of business while also depriving the government of legitimate revenue," he said.
In order to avoid falling victim to such activities when purchasing crude oil for processing or refined oil for packing, he asked the association members to be vigilant and not be a part of the supply chain of such spurious oils. He also asked them to reconsider quality control measures for all raw materials.
He stated that the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is aware of this and that officials may increase monitoring of regulatory compliance by food business operators to protect consumer health.
According to the advisory, it may take harsh action against such companies/organizations engaged in the production of synthetic oils, including the cancellation of their FSSAI licence. "We are confident that none of our members would participate in such activities that bring a bad name to our sector," he added.
