Fortune Oil (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has imposed a fine on edible oil company AWL Agri Business Limited for manufacturing and selling substandard fortified sunflower cooking oil. However, the amount of the fine has not been disclosed. Ahmedabad-based AWL Agri Business Limited sells edible oil under the 'Fortune' brand.
This action was taken after the regulator found that a sample collected from Goa failed lab testing because its Vitamin D level was significantly below the prescribed limit. In a social media post on Friday, the FSSAI stated that an order imposing a fine on AWL Agri Business Limited had been issued. The statutory body noted that a sample of "Fortune" Frayola Refined Sunflower Seed Oil weighing one litre was collected by the authority from Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa.
The report from the primary food laboratory revealed that the fortified edible oil did not comply with the standards prescribed under the FSS (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018. Levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D were below the prescribed limits, leading to the product being declared substandard. Upon the company's appeal, the sample was tested at a referral laboratory, which confirmed that the Vitamin D content was significantly lower than the mandated limit. Fortified sunflower cooking oil is sunflower oil to which essential nutrients, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin D, have been added.
The FSSAI has directed Pai Foods to immediately stop the sale of two of its products containing monk fruit extract, including 'Monk Fruit Extract Sweetener' and 'Monk Fruit Sweetener Drops'. This action was taken due to violations of labeling standards. The government agency further directed Pai Foods to to obtain a valid licence along with the necessary approvals. Monk fruit is a fruit primarily found in China that is used as a sweetener. In a social media post on Friday, the FSSAI stated that it has issued a restrictive order against the company regarding the sale of these products.
