📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / N. Vivekananthamoorthy
Health
Maharashtra FDA orders fines up to Rs 10 lakh, jail for sellers of unsafe or misbranded oil
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 21 Aug 2026, 04:18 AM
👁 4
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued an order that allows penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh and possible imprisonment for anyone selling oil deemed unsafe or misbranded.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally notified that any oil product found to be unsafe or misbranded will attract severe penalties. Under the new order, violators can be fined up to Rs 10 lakh and may also face imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offence.
The directive applies to manufacturers, distributors and retailers who fail to comply with labeling standards or who market oil that does not meet safety specifications. Inspectors have been instructed to conduct surprise checks and to seize any non‑compliant stock.
The FDA has warned that repeated violations will attract harsher action, including longer jail terms. The move aims to protect consumers from health risks associated with adulterated or falsely labeled edible oil.
Authorities expect the order to deter malpractice in the oil market and to reinforce confidence in food‑safety regulations across the state.
The directive applies to manufacturers, distributors and retailers who fail to comply with labeling standards or who market oil that does not meet safety specifications. Inspectors have been instructed to conduct surprise checks and to seize any non‑compliant stock.
The FDA has warned that repeated violations will attract harsher action, including longer jail terms. The move aims to protect consumers from health risks associated with adulterated or falsely labeled edible oil.
Authorities expect the order to deter malpractice in the oil market and to reinforce confidence in food‑safety regulations across the state.