Date:07/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/07/stories/2006040702821800.htm

Business

Tamil Nadu Oil & Seeds Assn.'s plea to Govt.

Corporate Reporter

Gaschromotography at labs suggested

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Oil and Seeds Association is seeking the support of the State Government in creating awareness among consumers about the contents in edible oil sold, particularly in loose form.

According to K. Paramasivam, President of the association, the edible oil market in the State was growing at 30 per cent annually. Out of the 4.5 lakh tonnes consumed in the State, only 1.5 lakh tonnes is produced indigenously.

A major quantum of oil marketed in the State is RBD palm oil. This is derived by refining crude palm oil imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, Mr. Paramasivam said. Because of high import duties, only a small quantity of refined, bleached and deodorised palmolein was imported and marketed as RBD palmolein, he said.

While refining the imported crude palmoil some domestic refiners leave the stearin (fat) content in the oil more than the prescribed limit.

This `refined' oil, sold in the market, was not good for health, Mr. Paramasivam pointed out. Also some traders and retailers blend palm oil with soya oil imported on a much cheaper basis from the U.S. and sell thereby compromising quality at the cost of gullible consumers, he said.

The Union Government, for its part, should amend the regulations to maintain the melting point of the stearin content in RBD palm oil to below 25 degree centigrade (which is 37.5 degree centigrade now), to bring it on a par with other indigenous oils and the imported palmolein, he said.

To check adulteration he suggested installation of gaschromotography at the testing laboratories run by the Government.