Tukaram Mundhe Warns Edible Oil Violators of Strict Penalties, Including Life Imprisonment and INR 10 Lakh Fine

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has issued a strong warning to businesses violating food-safety rules governing edible oil, saying serious violations can attract penalties ranging from imprisonment to a fine of up to INR 10 lakh. The warning comes as the state FDA steps up inspections of edible-oil manufacturing, packaging, sale and reuse practices, NDTV reported.

FDA Targets Edible Oil Violations

Mundhe said the department is examining several aspects of the edible-oil supply chain, including manufacturing, packaging, storage and the sale of loose oil. The FDA has particularly raised concerns about adulteration and the sale of oil without proper information about its source, manufacture and packaging. According to Mundhe, loose or unsealed edible oil can make it difficult for authorities to trace the product if a food-poisoning incident occurs. Tukaram Mundhe Defends Action Against Gurunanak Dairy and Sweets After Bombay High Court Order; Know What He Said.

Warning Over Reused Cooking Oil

The FDA chief also highlighted concerns over the repeated use of cooking oil. Under food-safety regulations, oil used for frying cannot be repeatedly reused beyond prescribed limits. Once it becomes spent, it is supposed to be transferred to authorised companies for purposes other than human consumption.

Mundhe said the department had found instances in which used oil allegedly re-entered the food market under different packaging instead of being diverted for permitted non-food uses. The practice has prompted the FDA to focus more closely on how used cooking oil is collected, stored and disposed of. Shweta Tiwari Raises Hygiene Concerns With Tukaram Munde After Finding Cockroach With Cold Drink Delivery (See Post).

Life Imprisonment Possible in Serious Cases

Mundhe's warning comes against the backdrop of Maharashtra's broader enforcement of food-safety laws. Depending on the nature of a violation and the harm caused by unsafe food, the applicable law can provide for imprisonment and substantial fines.

In cases where consumption of unsafe food results in death, the penalties can extend to life imprisonment with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh, according to the food-safety provisions cited by the FDA.

The penalties are therefore dependent on the circumstances and consequences of a particular violation rather than applying automatically to every edible-oil offence.

Consumers Advised to Avoid Loose Oil

The FDA has advised consumers to avoid purchasing loose or unsealed edible oil and instead choose properly sealed products with details such as the manufacturer, batch information and other required labelling. The department's concern is that traceability becomes more difficult when oil is sold without adequate packaging and identification.

Part of Wider Maharashtra Food Safety Drive

The edible-oil action is part of a wider food-safety enforcement campaign being led by the Maharashtra FDA under Mundhe. In recent weeks, the department has inspected restaurants, food establishments and quick-commerce warehouses, with officials citing problems including poor sanitation, pest infestations and improper food storage.

The department has also taken action against establishments found allegedly violating food-safety requirements, signalling a broader push to strengthen compliance across the state's food sector.

The latest warning puts edible oil under particular scrutiny and serves as a reminder to manufacturers, sellers and food businesses that violations of food-safety rules can carry significant legal consequences.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2026 08:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).