The order issued by the FSSAI in September 2020 had asked the FBOs to stop the production of blended mustard oil from October 1st.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn the ‘order’ regarding operationalisation of the regulations that prohibit the blending of mustard oil.

The order issued by the FSSAI in September 2020 had asked the FBOs to stop the production of blended mustard oil from October 1st.

A Delhi based oil mill had gone to the Delhi High Court against the order, saying that FSSAI cannot operationalise the regulations with immediate effect without giving time to the FBOs and subsequently HC stayed the order.

And meanwhile, the apex food regulator had issued a draft on the regulations, as reported earlier, prohibiting the blending of mustard oil and sought comments from the stakeholders by January second week next year.

The food regulator has until now allowed 20% blending in mustard oil under the standards for blended vegetable oil under FSS (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.

The current direction by the FSSAI stated that the decision to withdraw the September order was taken after stakeholders made a representation to the authority.

“After due consideration of the representation of the stakeholders it has been decided to withdraw the direction dated 23/9/2020 for operationalisation of Draft Food Safety and Standards – Prohibition and Restriction on Sales-Amendment Regulations 2020,” the order stated.
The September order was issued on directions from the Government of India, aimed at facilitating manufacture and sale of pure mustard oil for domestic consumption.