Mumbai, Sep 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant policy decision, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday granted loose edible oil traders a temporary one-year exemption from the ban enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2011.
The decision brings immediate relief to small vendors and traders who faced severe operational disruptions following a recent crackdown.
The issue came to a head after senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed charge as the Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
Mundhe launched an aggressive campaign against food adulteration and strictly enforced the prohibition on selling unpackaged edible oil.
While aimed at ensuring public health and safety, the sudden ban drastically impacted small businesses, traditional vendors, and low-income consumers who depend on purchasing oil in small, daily quantities.
Following representations from affected traders, Chief Minister Fadnavis on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation of oil merchants to address their concerns.
Recognising the dual challenge of regulatory compliance and public necessity, the Chief Minister announced the one-year grace period to allow vendors time to adapt.
"While the safety law was enacted in 2011 and maintaining oil quality standards remains our highest priority, we must acknowledge that many low-income families still rely on buying loose oil on a daily basis," Chief Minister Fadnavis said.
"It is essential to find a balanced middle ground that respects regulatory enforcement while serving the immediate needs of common citizens."
To facilitate the transition, the state government will form a joint committee comprising representatives from the FDA and the trading community.
The committee will study the required operational shifts for traditional vendors and identify areas where state support or guidance may be necessary.
However, the Chief Minister issued a firm warning regarding the timeline, emphasising that this grace period will not be extended under any circumstances.
Traders have been urged to utilise the next 12 months to overhaul their operations and fully comply with the packaging and safety standards mandated by law.
Source: IANS
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