Around 1,000 litres of suspected oil seized and stock sealed
The Food Safety Department in Barnala conducted a raid at a premises suspected of preparing adulterated edible oil and seized around 1,000 litres of oil. The entire stock was sealed by the department, while samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing.
The action was taken after the department received complaints and reports over the past few days regarding the alleged preparation of adulterated oil in Barnala city.
Mustard and vegetable oil found at premises
During the inspection, officials found around 374 litres of vegetable oil stored in a tank and nearly 600 litres of loose mustard oil at the premises. Oil was also found in different types of packaging.
According to Food Safety Officer Charanjit Singh, the seized stock includes around 750 litres of mustard oil and approximately 374 litres of vegetable oil. The department has sealed the entire stock pending the outcome of the laboratory examination.
Questions raised over mixing and labelling
The preliminary inspection reportedly raised concerns that two different types of oil may have been mixed to prepare the product. Officials also found that the licence associated with the premises was reportedly issued for another location, while the labels used on the oil packaging were also linked to a different place.
However, the department has not yet confirmed that the oil was adulterated. The final findings will depend on the laboratory report.
Legal action to follow based on lab report
Food Safety Department officials said samples have been sent for testing and further action will be taken after the laboratory results are received. If the samples are found to violate food safety standards, action will be initiated against those responsible under the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Food Safety Officer Charanjit Singh said the department is continuing inspections to ensure compliance with food safety norms. He added that action is being taken against units involved in the preparation of food products, including paneer, sweets, mustard oil and desi ghee, if violations are found.
The department had also sealed a small mustard oil packaging unit in the Tapa area last week as part of its ongoing enforcement drive.