The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a statewide restriction on the sale of unpackaged edible oil, making sealed and tamper-evident containers mandatory for retailers, food businesses and online sellers.

The move is aimed at improving the traceability and safety of cooking oil sold to consumers. Authorities have warned that violations could attract severe legal action, including imprisonment of up to seven years.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said loose oil remains widely available despite concerns about where it comes from and how it is handled. He also highlighted the practice of repeatedly using cooking oil, particularly in food businesses, as an additional food-safety concern.

Why has Maharashtra banned loose oil?

According to the FDA, inspections conducted last year found 77 samples that failed to meet prescribed standards out of 1,247 samples tested.

Enforcement operations also resulted in the seizure of more than 3 lakh kg of edible oil, with the confiscated stock valued at over ₹5 crore.

The latest directive is intended to ensure that consumers can identify the manufacturer, check product information and verify the expiry date before purchasing edible oil.

The requirement will apply across the supply chain, including businesses selling food products and platforms involved in online sales.

FDA steps up inspections at eateries

The crackdown comes alongside wider inspections of food establishments across Maharashtra.

Recent enforcement drives resulted in the suspension of licences of 13 eateries, with officials citing violations involving hygiene and food storage. Among the establishments facing action was Mumbai's Bombay Presidency Radio Club, a landmark institution that has been operating for nearly a century.

Officials reportedly identified problems including flies and inadequate storage conditions during inspections.

Strict action over misleading claims

The FDA has also warned businesses against making deceptive claims in advertisements. Misleading promotions could result in penalties of up to ₹10 lakh, according to the warning.

Mundhe has stressed that edible oil requires particular scrutiny because it forms a regular part of people's diets.

The commissioner has urged consumers to check packaging carefully and look for essential information such as labels, manufacturing details and expiry dates before buying cooking oil.

The restrictions have also prompted several roadside food vendors and snack stalls to improve their cleaning and food-handling practices, amid growing public attention on hygiene standards.

The Maharashtra FDA has made it clear that food safety will remain a priority and that businesses dealing in edible oil will be expected to comply with the new packaging requirements.