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Beed: The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (MFDA) seized nearly Rs 1.94 crore worth of loose edible oil from multiple establishments in Beed district during enforcement operations conducted on August 6 and 7.

The action targeted establishments allegedly involved in repacking and selling loose edible oil. Officials also flagged concerns over unhygienic premises, reused containers, improper labelling and the absence of essential quality and safety records.

The operations were supervised by MFDA Joint Commissioner Shrikant Karkale and Assistant Commissioner Nitin Mohite.

FDA finds multiple violations

According to the MFDA, officials found several violations during inspections at the establishments.

The department said some units were storing edible oil in unsafe conditions and selling it under local brand names. Officials also found alleged deficiencies in documentation, laboratory facilities, food-grade certificates, certificates of analysis and pest-control records.

The FDA subsequently suspended the licences of the establishments involved and ordered the closure of the inspected units.

The enforcement action comes as food safety authorities across Maharashtra continue to intensify inspections of food businesses to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Swagat Oil Industries

The largest seizure was reported at Swagat Oil Industries, where officials seized 66,653 kg of edible oil valued at Rs 1.05 crore.

The FDA flagged what it described as misleading packaging of soybean oil. Officials reportedly found oil from a single tank labelled as both “Refined” and “Ultra Refined”.

The inspection also allegedly revealed the large-scale use of reused tins and unhygienic conditions at the premises.

According to the department, the establishment did not have an in-house laboratory, Certificate of Analysis, food-grade certificates, medical and pest-control records or technical personnel.

The seized oil was reportedly being sold under local brands including Swagat Gold, Goodluck and Swastik Gold Ultra.

The unit’s food licence was suspended with immediate effect and the establishment was closed.

Charkha Oil Mill

The FDA also seized 45,995.7 kg of edible oil worth Rs 78.22 lakh from Charkha Oil Mill.

Officials flagged the alleged misleading packaging of palmolein oil and found reused tins and unhygienic conditions at the premises.

The establishment allegedly lacked an in-house laboratory, Certificate of Analysis, food-grade certificates and other mandatory records.

The enforcement team collected 11 samples during the operation for further examination.

The licence of Charkha Oil Mill was suspended with immediate effect and the unit was closed.

The department identified Shubham, Anuj Drops and Shubham Ultra as local brands under which the oil was reportedly sold.

Jai Hanuman Traders

At Jai Hanuman Traders in Vadwani, officials seized 4,545.2 kg of edible oil valued at Rs 7.25 lakh.

The inspection reportedly found reused tins and unhygienic conditions. Officials also noted the absence of an in-house laboratory, Certificate of Analysis, food-grade certificates, medical records and pest-control documentation.

Improper labelling of storage tanks was also flagged.

Three enforcement samples were collected during the inspection.

The establishment’s licence was suspended with immediate effect and the unit was closed.

The FDA said the oil was being sold under the local brand Soham Refined Soybean Oil.

Janhavi Commercials

At Janhavi Commercials in Old Mondha, Majalgaon, officials seized 1,746 kg of loose refined soybean oil valued at Rs 2.79 lakh.

The FDA said the oil was stored loose and without proper labelling in an unsafe manner.

Officials also found the absence of batch numbers and a Certificate of Analysis, along with unhygienic storage tanks.

Two enforcement samples were drawn from the premises.

The establishment’s licence was suspended and the unit was ordered to close.

Vinayak Oil Industries

The FDA also acted against Vinayak Oil Industries in Old Mondha, Majalgaon.

Officials seized 248 kg of loose refined soybean oil valued at Rs 39,680 from the establishment.

The department reported unsafe storage of loose oil and the use of reused tins. It also found that required records were not available.

One enforcement sample was collected during the operation.

The licence was suspended with immediate effect and the unit was closed.

FDA issues consumer advisory

Following the seizures, the Maharashtra FDA advised consumers to avoid purchasing loose edible oil from unlicensed or unauthorised vendors.

The department urged consumers to purchase edible oil only from licensed sellers and carefully check the information provided on packaged products.

Consumers have been advised to verify the FSSAI licence number, manufacturing date, expiry date and proper product labelling before purchasing edible oil.

The advisory is particularly relevant because consumers may not always be able to determine whether loose oil has been stored, handled or repacked in accordance with food safety requirements.

Action follows wider food safety drive

The Beed operation is part of a broader enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

The department has recently taken action against several food establishments over alleged violations of food safety regulations.

The latest seizures in Beed highlight concerns surrounding the repacking and sale of edible oil, particularly where authorities find inadequate documentation, unsafe storage or questionable labelling practices.

The seized products will be subject to further regulatory procedures and testing wherever applicable.

The FDA’s action also underlines the importance of maintaining hygienic premises and proper records throughout the food supply chain.

For consumers, officials have stressed the importance of buying packaged edible oil from licensed vendors and checking the mandatory details on the label.

The seizure of nearly Rs 1.94 crore worth of edible oil has brought renewed attention to the risks associated with improperly stored or repacked food products and the need for strict compliance with food safety regulations.