33% samples of mustard oil found misbranded and substandard in Haryana

The Haryana government recently decided to transfer subsidies in the account of beneficiaries in areas of giving them mustard oil directly due to a hike in the rate of mustard. Amid this, it is learnt that a string of shopkeepers continue to put the lives of people at risk as more than 33 percent of the sample were found sub-standard and misbranded. Lab reports revealed that as many as 248 samples of mustard oil were taken and out of these 84 were not found to expectations which constitute nearly one-third of the total samples.

The samples were taken at source and production sites across the state. Following the result, what came to light is that 72 samples were found misbranded while 6 were banned by the concerned department and these were being sold. Banned Mustard oil was being sold in Jhajjar and Rewari districts, 3 each.

Rajiv Rattan, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Haryana said that the department continues to take stern action against those selling low-standard food and other products. Besides, a penalty would be imposed on such elements. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of the concerned district has been given the power to impose a penalty on those mocking at regulations. Any shopkeeper who sells low-quality mustard oil can be fined up to 5 lakh, while those selling misbranded oil would also be subjected to fine up to 5 lakh.

Rohtak and Jind districts emerge on the top in terms of misbranded samples of oil. Another issue which is of utmost importance is that the above department continues to go through the shortage of staff which emerges as a huge obstacle in the working. Although the department has demanded more staff but scenario continues to remain the same as more than 40 posts of Food Safety Officers are still vacant. Several times, the crunch in staff resulted in the delay of the lab reports which puts the lives of people at stake to some extent.