EDIBLE OIL & FSSAI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently declared that there is no scientific rationale for banning the blending of edible oils, particularly sunflower oil, as there is no food safety or health concern in consuming them.

Edible Oil

• About: Oilseeds and edible oils rank among the most highly sensitive essential commodities.
• Largest Consumer: India holds the distinction of being the globe's second-largest consumer and foremost importer of vegetable oil.
• Popular Edible Oils in India: Palm oil, soya bean oil, sunflower oil, and mustard oil.
• India's Diverse Oilseed Production: Rapeseeds, soybeans, peanuts, groundnuts, copra, cottonseeds, and sunflower seeds.
• Import Dependency: Currently, India satisfies roughly 55% to 60% of its edible oil demand through imports.
• Soybean Oil Importation: Soybean oil accounts for 22% of imports and primarily originates from Argentina and Brazil.
• Sunflower Oil Imports: Sunflower oil, comprising 15% of imports, is predominantly sourced from Ukraine and Russia.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• Established: Under Food Safety and Standards , 2006
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Headquarters: Delhi
• Aim: To regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.