Latest news with #CodexAlimentarius
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
SEA urges CCPA, FSSAI to take action against 'misleading' social media claims on refined oils
The Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) has urged the Central Consumer Protection Authority and food safety regulator FSSAI to take action against misleading content on refined edible oils circulating on social media platforms. In a letter written to CCPA and FSSAI, SEA said a viral video posted by the Instagram account @satvicmovement has been making "alarming and factually incorrect claims" about refined edible oils, labelling them as "chemical-laden" and "toxic". Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category "The video has gained widespread traction, creating confusion among consumers and casting unfounded doubts on the safety of refined edible oils, which form the majority of India's edible oil consumption," SEA said in a statement. The association warned that such misinformation threatens not only consumer confidence but also the livelihoods of farmers and the credibility of India's food safety ecosystem. It stressed the need to provide accurate, science-backed information to the public. To counter the viral video, the industry body has released a comprehensive explanatory note to clarify the scientific and regulatory realities of edible oil refining with evidence-based facts. Live Events SEA pointed out that about 85 per cent of India's edible oil consumption comes from refined oils such as palm, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, and cottonseed. These oils are processed under strict Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms and meet globally accepted Codex Alimentarius standards. The association defended the use of food-grade hexane , saying it is safe and regulated. Hexane is a food-grade solvent commonly used in oil extraction and is removed during processing, with final products meeting the FSSAI-prescribed limit of 5 ppm, which is within safe toxicological thresholds recognised globally. SEA also emphasised that refining is a scientifically necessary and approved process, essential to remove natural impurities and ensure safety, stability, and shelf life of edible oils. It said FSSAI regulations are strictly complied with for processes such as deodorisation. "Alarmist messages like those in the viral video pose broader risks to the agri-economy, potentially discouraging consumers, affecting oilseed farming, and damaging trust in a heavily regulated industry," the association said. PTI
Mint
12 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
SEA urges CCPA, FSSAI to take action against misleading social media claims on refined oils
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) The Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) has urged the Central Consumer Protection Authority and food safety regulator FSSAI to take action against misleading content on refined edible oils circulating on social media platforms. In a letter written to CCPA and FSSAI, SEA said a viral video posted by the Instagram account @satvicmovement has been making "alarming and factually incorrect claims" about refined edible oils, labelling them as "chemical-laden" and "toxic". "The video has gained widespread traction, creating confusion among consumers and casting unfounded doubts on the safety of refined edible oils, which form the majority of India's edible oil consumption," SEA said in a statement. The association warned that such misinformation threatens not only consumer confidence but also the livelihoods of farmers and the credibility of India's food safety ecosystem. It stressed the need to provide accurate, science-backed information to the public. To counter the viral video, the industry body has released a comprehensive explanatory note to clarify the scientific and regulatory realities of edible oil refining with evidence-based facts. SEA pointed out that about 85 per cent of India's edible oil consumption comes from refined oils such as palm, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, and cottonseed. These oils are processed under strict Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms and meet globally accepted Codex Alimentarius standards. The association defended the use of food-grade hexane, saying it is safe and regulated. Hexane is a food-grade solvent commonly used in oil extraction and is removed during processing, with final products meeting the FSSAI-prescribed limit of 5 ppm, which is within safe toxicological thresholds recognised globally. SEA also emphasised that refining is a scientifically necessary and approved process, essential to remove natural impurities and ensure safety, stability, and shelf life of edible oils. It said FSSAI regulations are strictly complied with for processes such as deodorisation. "Alarmist messages like those in the viral video pose broader risks to the agri-economy, potentially discouraging consumers, affecting oilseed farming, and damaging trust in a heavily regulated industry," the association said.
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Company in Kuching fined for importing, selling mandarin oranges with excessive pesticide
Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan imposed the fine after the company via a representative pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. — Pexels photo KUCHING (June 9): A food importing company was fined RM4,000 by the Magistrates' Court here today for importing and selling mandarin oranges containing pesticide residue exceeding the permitted limit. Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan imposed the fine after the company via a representative pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. According to the facts of the case, a fresh sample of the mandarin oranges was taken on Dec 20, 2024 and sent for a laboratory analysis. The test results revealed the presence of 0.02mg/kg of Organophosphorus/Chlorpyrifos pesticide residue, which exceeded the permissible limit under Regulation 41(3)(c) of the Food Regulations 1985. The Regulation stipulates that no person shall prepare for sale any food containing 0.01 milligrammes or more per kilogramme of any pesticide residue, unless that pesticide is specified for that food in the Sixteenth Schedule or the Codex Alimentarius. During court proceedings, prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim from the Inspectorate and Legal Unit of the Kuching Division Health Office informed the court that exposure to pesticides in excessive or prolonged amounts could pose health risks and harm human organs. He urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence to serve as a deterrent to the accused. Mohd Fairos added that an appropriate sentence would also serve as a warning to other importers to exercise greater caution when bringing food products into Malaysia, and to ensure proper measures are taken before importing samples. company exceed oranges permitted limit pesticide residue
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Kuching farm operator fined RM5,000 for excessive pesticide residue in vegetables
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali imposed the fine after the accused pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and was sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. KUCHING (May 29): The Magistrates' Court here yesterday fined a vegetable farm operator RM5,000 for selling vegetables containing pesticide residue exceeding the permitted limit. Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali imposed the fine after the accused pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and was sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. According to the case facts, a sample of kailan taken on Dec 2, 2024, was sent for laboratory analysis, which revealed that the vegetable contained 0.198 mg/kg of the pesticide residue Pencycuron—exceeding the permissible standard set under Regulation 41(3)(c) of the Food Regulations 1985 The regulation states that no person shall prepare for sale any food containing 0.01 milligrams or more per kilogramme of pesticide residue if the pesticide is not listed for that food in the Sixteenth Schedule or the Codex Alimentarius. During the court proceedings, prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim from the Inspectorate and Legal Unit of the Kuching Division Health Office urged that a fitting punishment be imposed as a lesson to the accused. He added that this would also serve as a warning to other operators to comply with the established regulations in the interest of public health. excessive pesticide residue fined lead vegetable farm operator
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE National Codex Committee and ADAFSA host workshop with international and local experts
Abu Dhabi: The UAE National Codex Committee (NCC), under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (the Codex Contact Point), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), has inaugurated a two-day workshop titled 'Evaluation of National Codex Programmes in the United Arab Emirates.' This event, taking place on 14–15 May in Abu Dhabi, aims to assess and strengthen the UAE's alignment with Codex Alimentarius standards. The workshop convenes members of the UAE NCC, international and local experts in food safety, consumer protection, and trade, as well as representatives from various sectors within ADAFSA. In his opening remarks, H.E. Engineer Ahmed Khalid Othman, Deputy Director-General for Operational Affairs at ADAFSA, emphasised the significance of national collaboration in supporting Codex programmes. He highlighted that the workshop underscores the significance of the self-assessment tool endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This tool serves as a strategic mechanism for evaluating the UAE's achievements in Codex-related initiatives, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and ensuring that national programmes remain aligned with scientific and legislative developments, in line with the country's leadership vision. The workshop features detailed presentations on the methodology and procedures of the self-assessment tool, providing a comprehensive and practical framework for evaluating national Codex programmes. Key components include institutional mechanisms for managing Codex activities, effective consultation processes, enhanced understanding of Codex work, policy frameworks, and the optimal utilisation of related activities. Interactive working groups have been established to discuss assessment criteria, scoring mechanisms, consistency in evaluations, and the provision of supporting documentation. These sessions aim to foster consensus and ensure a thorough understanding of the assessment process among all participants. Organisers underscore the critical importance of the workshop's outcomes in bolstering the UAE's national strategies for food security and agricultural sustainability. By aligning national Codex activities with international standards, the UAE aims to enhance the application of Codex guidelines as the foundation for national food safety regulations and standards. Established in 2020, the UAE National Codex Committee represents a strategic initiative to fortify the country's food security framework. This aligns with the UAE's ambitious goal of achieving a leading position in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, as outlined in its national food security strategy. The UAE places significant emphasis on adopting the highest international standards and practices in food safety and quality, aiming to protect consumer health and foster confidence in the food products available in domestic markets. Harmonising national legislation and standards with Codex principles is pivotal in achieving these objectives and ensuring the seamless and safe movement of food products across supply chains.
