KATHMANDU, Sept 20: The government is all set to restrict the manufacturers of edibles oil from using exaggerated words on labeling containers or any sorts of marketing, through enforcing separate standards for mustard oil and sunflower oil in particular.
Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM), in this regard, has prepared drafts to amend the existing standards of the edible oils. The regulatory body has specified the prohibited terms such as ‘super-refined’, ‘extra-refined’, ‘micro-refined’, ‘double-refined’, ‘ultra-refined’, ‘anti-cholesterol’, ‘cholesterol fighter’, ‘beneficial for the heart’, ‘cholesterol-friendly’, and ‘saturated fat-free’which cannot be used on the packaging of mustard oil and sunflower oil.
The new standards impose stricter regulations on the production, processing, safety limits, and labeling of mustard oil, while completely banning advertisements and promotional activities that mislead consumers. Under these new standards, terms that exaggerate the quality of the product may no longer be used on mustard oil packaging, labels, or advertisements.
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The standards categorize oil into two groups based on the production process: pressed oil and solvent-extracted oil. The pressed oil category includes refined, virgin, and expeller-pressed varieties; all these types are considered suitable for direct consumption. The solvent-extracted category comprises refined and Grade-1 oils.
The adulteration of oil with any inedible oil, foreign matter, water, artificial colors or flavors, or toxic substances is strictly prohibited. It is stipulated that the aflatoxin content in the oil must not exceed 30 micrograms per kilogram, and the peroxide value must not exceed 10 milliequivalents per kilogram.
As per the standards, mustard oil must be packed exclusively in tin or plastic containers that meet the prescribed Nepal Quality Standards. Used tin or plastic containers cannot be utilized for the repacking of edible oil.
The new standards establish maximum limits for harmful heavy metals (toxic metals) and fungal toxins (aflatoxins). Defining toxic metals, the NBSM has set a limit of 0.1 milligrams per kg of lead and arsenic, 0.25 milligrams per kg of mercury and 1.0 milligrams per kg of cadmium at maximum for safety of consumers’ health.
It has been made mandatory to clearly label every tin or packet of oil intended for sale in either Nepali or English language. The label must specify the name, type, and grade of the product; the net weight of the contents; the manufacturer's name, address, and registered trademark; the batch or lot number; and the month and year of production.
