Government Launches Training to Implement New Vegetable Oil Order
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, through the Department of Food and Public Distribution, has announced the launch of a nationwide series of workshops to ensure the effective implementation of the recently amended Vegetable Oil Products Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2025 (VOPPA 2025). The reform aims to significantly improve transparency, data collection, and monitoring across the entire edible oil industry, supporting national food security.
Government Warns of Strict Action for Non-Compliance with Edible Oil Regulations
The Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has issued a sharp warning that non-compliance with the amended Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2025 (VOPPA Order) will result in strict penal action. The Department plans to initiate inspection drives and field verification checks to ensure compliance across the entire edible oil sector.
DGFT Suspends Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) for Several Food Products
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced the immediate suspension of Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) for a range of food products. This action is effective from August 26, 2025, and is taken in exercise of the powers conferred under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
Government Enhances Financial Assistance for Oil Palm Farmers Under NMEO-OP
The government is providing financial assistance to oil palm farmers across the country, including Odisha, under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). This initiative aims to support the entire oil palm cultivation value chain, from planting to post-harvest infrastructure, and was detailed by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
FSSAI CEO Mandates 100% Inspection of Packaged Drinking Water Units in Maharashtra
The Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has directed a 100% inspection of all Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) facilities across Maharashtra. The CEO also emphasized the critical importance of regular, bi-annual compliance checks at all PDW premises to safeguard public health and uphold the highest food safety standards. He underscored the need for consistent and effective enforcement across Maharashtra, advocating for the promotion of good hygiene practices among street food vendors, aligning with FSSAI’s “Eat Right India” movement.
Centre Slashes Import Duty on Crude Edible Oils to Combat Soaring Prices
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has announced a reduction in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on major imported crude edible oils. The duty on crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oils has been cut from 20% to 10%.
FSSAI to Hold Stakeholder Meeting on Proposed Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed new food safety standards and amendments to existing regulations. The meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi. For those unable to attend in person, the FSSAI has provided an online platform through Webex. Stakeholders are requested to confirm their attendance, whether physical or online, to help with logistical arrangements.
Government to Establish 100 New Food Testing Labs to Boost Food Safety Nationwide
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) will financially support the establishment of 100 new National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited food testing laboratories in the upcoming financial year 2025-26. The announcement was made on March 22, 2025 by the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries.
DGFT Amends Handbook of Procedures for Import of Tea, Spices, and Coconut Oil
The export obligation period for items covered by Chapter 9 of the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) [ITC(HS)] and coconut oil has been extended from 90 days to 6 months from the date on which the first import consignment is cleared by Customs Authorities. The export obligation period for imported spices used for value addition (VA) purposes like crushing, grinding, sterilization, or the manufacture of oils and oleoresins of pepper, cardamom, and chillies has been extended from 120 days to 6 months from the date of importation of the first consignment.
Government Urges Edible Oil Associations to Maintain MRP Amidst Duty Changes
Associations have been advised to maintain the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of edible oils until stocks imported at lower duties are depleted. The government has raised Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on various edible oils to support domestic oilseed farmers.
Vegetable Oils Grading and Marking (Amendment) Rules, 2023
The rules aim to update and refine the regulations governing the grading and marking of vegetable oils. The new rule stipulates that vegetable oils intended for domestic trade must adhere to restrictions regarding residual levels of metal contaminants, pesticide residues, microbial requirements, crop contaminants, naturally occurring toxic substances, and other food safety requirements.
Multi-Source Edible Oils Grading and Marking Rules, 2023
The government has mandated the use of a Grade Designation Mark, referred to as the “AGMARK Insignia,” for all packaged Multi-Source Edible Oils. The Agricultural Marketing Adviser or authorized officers are responsible for approving the manner in which the Grade Designation Mark is affixed to or printed on each package.