Date:17/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/17/stories/2004081700541200.htm

Back Coconut Development Board steps up drive to check adulteration

G.K. Nair

Kochi , Aug. 16

AS the coconut oil prices continued to rule high, rampant adulteration has become prevalent all over the country in branded coconut oil.

In a sample study conducted by the Coconut Development Board (CDB) recently in 14 branded packages collected from the Mumbai market, 10 samples did not conform to the Agmark grade. The study revealed that the samples contain 35 to 92 per cent mineral oils. The materials used for adulteration are petroleum products like liquid paraffin and mineral oil, which are highly injurious to human body.

Detection also becomes difficult when materials like liquid paraffin is mixed in coconut oil. When the cheap adulterant is used, the profit of the producer is substantially high, a senior official told Business Line.

Coconut oil price is ruling at Rs 6,900 a quintal in Kochi where as in the retail market 1 kg of branded coconut oil in pouches is sold at Rs 85.

Most of the consumers prefer branded coconut oil on the belief that its manufacturers would not resort to adulteration. But, if the present trend of adulteration persists, coconut oil may become unpopular affecting the coconut industry and thereby the coconut farmers, the CDB sources pointed out.

The board, therefore, is intensifying the sample collection and analysis so that the consumers and traders would be alert on this issue, they said.

The issue has been taken up with the State Governments for initiating suitable steps to prevent adulteration.

The Centre is also taking timely measures against this dangerous practice, they added.