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Food Safety and Standards: New Claims Regulations for Edible Oils

Introduction

This document outlines the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) First Amendment Regulations, 2022, which introduces significant updates to the previously established guidelines concerning edible vegetable oils.

Enforcement Date

These regulations will take effect as of 1st March 2023.

Amendments to Food Safety and Standards Regulations

In the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, Schedule II A has been replaced with the following schedule:

SCHEDULE – IIA

List of Claims for Edible Vegetable Oils

The claims outlined below are permitted for use on labels or in advertisements:

  • The terms "Rich" and "Contains" must align with the conditions specified in Schedule-I.
  • Food Business Operators can use similar terms in claim statements, provided the intent and meaning of the claim remain unchanged.

Claims Table for Edible Vegetable Oils

SI. No.Edible Vegetable OilClaims
1Coconut Oil/Virgin Coconut Oil(i) Contains medium chain fatty acids that are easily metabolized.
2Corn Oil(i) Rich in Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid); <br> (ii) Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
3Cottonseed Oil(i) Rich in Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid); <br> (ii) Linoleic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels; <br> (iii) Contains Tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants.
4Groundnut Oil(i) Contains Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA) that aid in lowering cholesterol; <br> (ii) Contains Tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants.
5Linseed/Flax Seed Oil(i) Rich in Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-3 PUFA, Alpha linolenic acid); <br> (ii) Alpha linolenic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.
6Mustard/Rapeseed Oil (Low Erucic)(i) Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) that help maintain blood cholesterol levels; <br> (ii) Contains Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega-3 PUFA, Alpha linolenic acid); <br> (iii) Alpha linolenic acid contributes to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.
7Mustard Oil(i) Contains Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega-3 PUFA); <br> (ii) Alpha linolenic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels; <br> (iii) Contains Tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants.
8Olive Oil/Olive Pomace Oil/Extra Virgin Olive Oil(i) Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) that help maintain blood cholesterol levels; <br> (ii) Contains polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants.
9Safflower Oil(i) Rich in Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid); <br> (ii) Linoleic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.
10Palm Kernel Oil(i) Contains medium chain fatty acids that are easily metabolized.
11Palmolein Oil(i) Contains Tocopherols and Tocotrienols, which are natural antioxidants.
12Rice Bran Oil(i) Contains MUFA and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA) that help lower cholesterol; <br> (ii) Contains Oryzanol, Tocopherols, and Tocotrienols, which are natural antioxidants; <br> (iii) Oryzanol possesses antioxidant properties and helps reduce high blood cholesterol.
13Sesame Oil(i) Contains equal proportions of MUFA (oleic acid) and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA, Linoleic acid) that help lower cholesterol; <br> (ii) Contains lignans, which are natural antioxidants; <br> (iii) Contains Tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants.
14Soybean Oil(i) Contains Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid) and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega-3 PUFA, alpha linolenic acid) in recommended proportions according to the Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines; <br> (ii) Linoleic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels; <br> (iii) Alpha linolenic acid contributes to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels; <br> (iv) Contains Tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants.
15Sunflower Oil(i) Rich in Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid); <br> (ii) Linoleic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels; <br> (iii) Contains Tocopherols.
16Chia Oil(i) Rich in Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega-3 PUFA, Alpha linolenic acid); <br> (ii) Alpha linolenic acid is essential for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.
17Avocado Oil(i) Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) that help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
18Sunflower Seed Oil - High Oleic Acid(i) Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) that help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels; <br> (ii) Contains Tocopherols, which are natural antioxidants.
19Safflower Seed Oil - High Oleic Acid(i) Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) that help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

The amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations enhance clarity and guidance for Food Business Operators regarding the claims they can use for various edible vegetable oils. It is crucial for operators to adhere to these new regulations as of the effective date to ensure compliance and maintain consumer trust.