The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has announced the implementation of the Vegetable Oils Grading and Marking (Amendment) Rules, 2023. These rules have come into force on 11th July, 2023. The rules aim to update and refine the regulations governing the grading and marking of vegetable oils.
Rule 10 of the Vegetable Oils Grading and Marking Rules, 1955, has been substituted with a revised version. The new rule stipulates that vegetable oils intended for domestic trade must adhere to restrictions regarding residual levels of metal contaminants, pesticide residues, microbial requirements, crop contaminants, naturally occurring toxic substances, and other food safety requirements. These specifications are outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011, the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, and other regulations established for domestic trade under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
For vegetable oils intended for export trade, compliance is required with the residual limits of heavy metals, pesticides, and other food safety requirements as specified by the Codex Alimentarius Commission or the importing country’s regulations for export.
The Amendment Rules also insert three new rules. Rule 12 allows for the fortification of vegetable oils with the micronutrients Vitamin A and Vitamin D. The fortification must adhere to the nutrient levels prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018. Rule 13 permits the inclusion of permitted antioxidants and food additives in vegetable oils, provided that the concentrations align with the specifications outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Rule 14 requires vegetable oils covered under these rules to comply with the fatty acid composition of the oils as specified in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
Furthermore, Schedule I of the rules has been revised. The amended schedule includes the Agmark grade designation and definition of quality for Mustard Oil. The new schedule reflects the updated standards and guidelines set forth by the Vegetable Oils Grading and Marking (Amendment) Rules, 2023.
